tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51068223349676585242017-07-23T02:22:48.779-07:00Crafting With HeartMiss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-40821204485233270962017-02-09T15:22:00.001-08:002017-02-09T15:22:43.692-08:00Ryan + Alexa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This past November, my little sister Alexa got engaged! Ryan had us help him set it all up and we were so excited! It's amazing what can happen in a year, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APPYh5ywe8k/WJywhDe7etI/AAAAAAAAFoE/R-Ua8F2oouMfZL_Qs3byT3HKRRUtZm-ywCK4B/s1600/IMG_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APPYh5ywe8k/WJywhDe7etI/AAAAAAAAFoE/R-Ua8F2oouMfZL_Qs3byT3HKRRUtZm-ywCK4B/s640/IMG_2211.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As soon as she had that ring on her finger, I called dibs on her wedding shower. Our good friend Kellie helped me and it went amazing! I have to show you what I made for her shower gift...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVs8HX-hyck/WJyw5581IRI/AAAAAAAAFoM/kY811dhZNncVaeaJMYPoVKTCFQMSF8VmwCK4B/s1600/IMG_2734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVs8HX-hyck/WJyw5581IRI/AAAAAAAAFoM/kY811dhZNncVaeaJMYPoVKTCFQMSF8VmwCK4B/s640/IMG_2734.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you know Alexa, you know that she loves "Friends". Like, seriously she's obsessed with it! I went to Walmart and bought the plain white mugs. It's so easy... All you need are the mugs, a Sharpie, and an oven. Steven and I picked out our 6 favorite Friends quotes. Can I tell you how hard that was?! I could have easily doubled that number. I wrote the quotes straight on the mug with the Sharpie. Put the mugs in the oven, then turn the oven on to 350 degrees. It's very important that you put the mugs in the oven before you turn the oven on. You want the ceramic to slowly heat up with the oven so it doesn't crack or break completely. Once the oven heats to 350 degrees, set a timer for 30 minutes. Then turn the oven off and leave the mugs in the oven until they are completely cooled. They will be so so hot so please be very careful! They turned out so great! I want to make myself a set! :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1bbcsDCyVk/WJz0LMwR4KI/AAAAAAAAFoo/fQi9S7ZIOtID_fI4n8VQhIST5pjRzynowCK4B/s1600/IMG_5158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1bbcsDCyVk/WJz0LMwR4KI/AAAAAAAAFoo/fQi9S7ZIOtID_fI4n8VQhIST5pjRzynowCK4B/s640/IMG_5158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">How gorgeous are they?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HiyxtpHvKpY/WJyw-ZIcrtI/AAAAAAAAFoU/MmSDMDQViD8YInaWMxW4DLZXLQBRrRC3QCK4B/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HiyxtpHvKpY/WJyw-ZIcrtI/AAAAAAAAFoU/MmSDMDQViD8YInaWMxW4DLZXLQBRrRC3QCK4B/s640/FullSizeRender%2B4.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been working hard to get her wedding quilt done! Between Christmas, knee surgery and more than 30 doctor's appointments between the four of us... It's been tricky! Somehow a miracle happened and it was done in time for their wedding.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khGxe4Oh-nU/WJywg76cbtI/AAAAAAAAFn8/_wI_qPpAU04izTbI4Wj37LQnWpBOtx6PQCK4B/s1600/IMG_5299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khGxe4Oh-nU/WJywg76cbtI/AAAAAAAAFn8/_wI_qPpAU04izTbI4Wj37LQnWpBOtx6PQCK4B/s640/IMG_5299.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish I could take all the creativity points from this, but I have to give the props to my cute husband. He's a genius quilter even though he doesn't quilt. :) I used Lori Holt's Farm Girl Vintage book for the bee, sunflower, and house. I made the beehive just by winging it and then Lori Holt just released a pattern! I'm always a day late ha ha. I love all things Lori Holt! The pictures were colored by our family using the <a href="http://craftingwithheart.blogspot.com/2014/05/weston-gets-car-mat.html">quilt color method</a>. It was so much fun to work on!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">The wedding was amazing and we are so excited to have a new uncle for our boys!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL-jNnDny-8/WJywfXCa5jI/AAAAAAAAFn0/63fckhqQPB4-XSXdxTxQNqiu8k3qTdDkACK4B/s1600/IMG_5303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL-jNnDny-8/WJywfXCa5jI/AAAAAAAAFn0/63fckhqQPB4-XSXdxTxQNqiu8k3qTdDkACK4B/s640/IMG_5303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-25299277173206608862016-11-10T20:10:00.000-08:002016-11-10T20:10:12.366-08:00Holiday Boutique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44dQ_5ijz2Q/WCPe_hZTTdI/AAAAAAAAFeY/azp1CqnwHUUb5PW7uEhvDVHYVI30AdIKQCK4B/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44dQ_5ijz2Q/WCPe_hZTTdI/AAAAAAAAFeY/azp1CqnwHUUb5PW7uEhvDVHYVI30AdIKQCK4B/s640/IMG_1760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So excited about the holiday boutique that I am participating in this Saturday! My friend's mom is putting it on in her home for the second year in a row. Last year it was so fun and there were so many cute things! Here's a sneak peek of some of what I will be selling. I started sewing these in January because I knew that I wanted to participate, but with two babies under 2, I had to get a head start! They need some good ironing after being in a box for so many months. Email me if you are in the Salt Lake Valley and you want the address! :) shieldedhome@gmail.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ij1iaSzI4w/WCPdzt4OJhI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/uDPc4UX0uUwd0ErQQtv0WNg86QYeeSlVgCK4B/s1600/IMG_1770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ij1iaSzI4w/WCPdzt4OJhI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/uDPc4UX0uUwd0ErQQtv0WNg86QYeeSlVgCK4B/s640/IMG_1770.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocFJ2Q_6N6c/WCM1CNcDRiI/AAAAAAAAFeA/NifashTRhIU30Bm-U3qB1goNwPCGGYzggCK4B/s1600/IMG_1841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocFJ2Q_6N6c/WCM1CNcDRiI/AAAAAAAAFeA/NifashTRhIU30Bm-U3qB1goNwPCGGYzggCK4B/s640/IMG_1841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsLmQ5Mxamg/WCPlIiSy05I/AAAAAAAAFe4/uxsO4E_HoiAeIHnHELiDmXfASKAQKB3PgCK4B/s1600/IMG_1775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsLmQ5Mxamg/WCPlIiSy05I/AAAAAAAAFe4/uxsO4E_HoiAeIHnHELiDmXfASKAQKB3PgCK4B/s640/IMG_1775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2caVZ4AvY24/WCVD_7dP6DI/AAAAAAAAFfM/Aw2yLRyllf4v1KOjE4m2haOT5Bz8FvwqwCK4B/s1600/IMG_1780.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2caVZ4AvY24/WCVD_7dP6DI/AAAAAAAAFfM/Aw2yLRyllf4v1KOjE4m2haOT5Bz8FvwqwCK4B/s640/IMG_1780.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cow one is probably my all time favorite blanket. If I knew I was going to have a baby girl someday, I probably wouldn't be selling it! It is made using Lori Holt's Cow from the Farm Girl Vintage collection.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsQzIJmjJGY/WCVENt_WtbI/AAAAAAAAFfU/YnVDjUM7sDAdZevTm0y4S8a7-vzoF8R7gCK4B/s1600/IMG_1765%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsQzIJmjJGY/WCVENt_WtbI/AAAAAAAAFfU/YnVDjUM7sDAdZevTm0y4S8a7-vzoF8R7gCK4B/s640/IMG_1765%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5WTCXnckvE/WCJfKP4DodI/AAAAAAAAFdw/BrffxACi-Ls9T3JOnV0SsdnENpRGMshfACK4B/s1600/IMG_1756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5WTCXnckvE/WCJfKP4DodI/AAAAAAAAFdw/BrffxACi-Ls9T3JOnV0SsdnENpRGMshfACK4B/s640/IMG_1756.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-79508021399962717852016-10-07T11:13:00.000-07:002016-10-07T11:13:38.480-07:00Christmas Lights and Snow ConesJanuary 26, 2007 I turned 17. It was the best birthday I have ever had. Steven took me skiing for the first time (which was a whole story in itself). After skiing, we went back to his grandparent's house to hot tub. There was probably two feet of snow on the ground and it was snowing big, soft flakes. There were Christmas lights around the hot tub and I remember thinking about how magical it looked. We got in the hot tub, and Steven just looked at me for a minute. Then he said, "If I show you something that my sister and I used to do, will you promise not to laugh?" I nodded excitedly. He jumped out of the hot tub, ran inside and came back out with two cups, two spoons, and juice. He filled up the cups all the way with fresh snow and poured juice on top. He handed me one and said, "Fresh snow cone!" That was the moment that I realized that I had to be with him forever. Sitting under the Christmas lights with a fresh snow cone in my hand and him by my side was my perfect scenario.<br /><br />It has been almost 10 years since that moment. Last night, Steven and I put our two babies down for bed and got back in that same hot tub. There was no fresh snow cone this time, but there were a lot of stars out.<br /><br />Have you ever felt the chapter in your book coming to a close? It's a strange feeling when you know it's happening. There are a few times in life when it's really obvious that there's about to be a new chapter... Graduating, moving to a new state, having a baby... These are times when you are expecting to have a chapter change and you can somewhat prepare for it. Then there are times that you get a new chapter suddenly, and you have days or hours or minutes to get used to it. We recently had one of those changes. We had plans for the next little while, and a major kink got thrown into it. Heaven gained another angel that we already miss so much. Whether it's a grandparent or parent or spouse or baby you never got to know, there will always be a little pocket in your heart that can only be filled by them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgC8D1P_Z-A/V_fixBHeQ8I/AAAAAAAAFb0/cgf3V0dUZvs3V9-GtGYLuEuXlJCGk7aygCK4B/s1600/IMG_3061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgC8D1P_Z-A/V_fixBHeQ8I/AAAAAAAAFb0/cgf3V0dUZvs3V9-GtGYLuEuXlJCGk7aygCK4B/s640/IMG_3061.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNmYSFD23i4/V_fiwhy2RvI/AAAAAAAAFbs/9rx7qsPfScETdjihbY7r3VKMuMBdVnX0ACK4B/s1600/IMG_6303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNmYSFD23i4/V_fiwhy2RvI/AAAAAAAAFbs/9rx7qsPfScETdjihbY7r3VKMuMBdVnX0ACK4B/s640/IMG_6303.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Thinking back to 10 years ago sitting in that same hot tub brought back a lot of memories for us. We spent senior prom at this house. We had innumerable family parties here. We brought home our babies here. This is where they both took their first steps. This is the house where when I was having a bad day, Grandpa would put his arms around me and remind me that I'm doing just fine and then he would take me out to lunch. At the end of the day, the house is made of bricks and wood. It's the love and memories made here that are more important. And those are the only things that we can take Home with us.<br /><br />Now for the next chapter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-77778761681018129392016-07-12T15:49:00.000-07:002016-07-12T15:49:12.682-07:00Beauty and the Beast Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">Isn't it always fun when family is in town? We were lucky this past weekend to spend time with my sister Torri and her adorable hubby, Taylor (known to us as Tay-Tay). She had mentioned to Alexa about a week before she came that she would love a Disney quilt like Alexa is making. If you know our family, you know that <strike>almost</strike> everything revolves around Disney in some way or another!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, in 2 days, Alexa and I made a quilt for her! I don't even know how we pulled it off to be honest. It is really simple, but it was so much fun working with Lex on it. It's fun having a sister that sews! My plan is to slowly start forcing the rest of them to do it too... :)&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; &nbsp;{me, Torri, Alexa, and Abbey}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn091CnyKVI/V4VweMVQjGI/AAAAAAAAFXs/V6DBzy6_5E4XVEYx-niChKFf7g6UQHFqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn091CnyKVI/V4VweMVQjGI/AAAAAAAAFXs/V6DBzy6_5E4XVEYx-niChKFf7g6UQHFqQCLcB/s640/IMG_0191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here it is! Alexa has only been sewing since Christmas, and I've been sewing for a couple years now. So we were really proud of this! Torri loved it which is why we were extra excited. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NUAFhkCVac/V4Vwcs70QOI/AAAAAAAAFXg/35z01xd6C7cZL7wn9SnSursXGC07NxF3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_9386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NUAFhkCVac/V4Vwcs70QOI/AAAAAAAAFXg/35z01xd6C7cZL7wn9SnSursXGC07NxF3QCLcB/s640/IMG_9386.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the drawings, we used the same method that I used for&nbsp;<a href="http://craftingwithheart.blogspot.com/2014/05/weston-gets-car-mat.html">Weston's car mat</a>. It's really easy. Here's the simple version.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, draw on your fabric using a Sharpie and color it in using crayons. You want to do it fairly dark because it will fade just a little. Next, you will need to dip a rag in white vinegar and put the rag over the picture. You are going to press it with a hot iron. Make sure you just press, not iron because we don't want to smudge the crayon. Lay it out to dry, then it's ready to use in your quilt!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCBuv7dd56s/V4Vwcn2-DII/AAAAAAAAFXk/aghIN0BETeQpYfHHXA3rcP94KO4ESOOtgCLcB/s1600/IMG_9388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCBuv7dd56s/V4Vwcn2-DII/AAAAAAAAFXk/aghIN0BETeQpYfHHXA3rcP94KO4ESOOtgCLcB/s640/IMG_9388.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8V3dV3mWBs/V4VwdO3WhBI/AAAAAAAAFXo/bPEthfpsAJQ-ds4rURZuhyE1gV3EEbG5wCLcB/s1600/IMG_9389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8V3dV3mWBs/V4VwdO3WhBI/AAAAAAAAFXo/bPEthfpsAJQ-ds4rURZuhyE1gV3EEbG5wCLcB/s640/IMG_9389.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you are all having as fun of a summer as we are!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-XcCvW4sc/V4VwcX4xEfI/AAAAAAAAFXc/I0ZrUy6Qstg0jMMrr6ngcaT_MowDB-jzgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0231-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-XcCvW4sc/V4VwcX4xEfI/AAAAAAAAFXc/I0ZrUy6Qstg0jMMrr6ngcaT_MowDB-jzgCLcB/s640/IMG_0231-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-12487188147065497242016-05-23T15:05:00.002-07:002016-05-23T15:05:55.918-07:00The Most Delightful Cookies<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rJuv8avBrY/V0N4XAWWZmI/AAAAAAAAFUc/xAZ-54QiSu4X1okAzjmxQgthBBcsVWVZgCK4B/s1600/IMG_8512.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rJuv8avBrY/V0N4XAWWZmI/AAAAAAAAFUc/xAZ-54QiSu4X1okAzjmxQgthBBcsVWVZgCK4B/s640/IMG_8512.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />So many people are always asking me about my chocolate chip cookies. They ask me if it's a family recipe passed down or if it's a secret recipe that I won't share. It's always such a compliment when people ask me! But honestly, all of my "secret" ways are actually really easy.<br /><br />First off... The best recipe is simply found on the Nestle Toll House chocolate chip package!<br /><br />Here is the recipe for high altitude that I follow...<br /><br />2 1/2 cups flour<br />1 tsp. salt<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 cup butter (2 sticks)<br />2/3 cup granulated sugar<br />2/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />2 large eggs<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />1 package MILK chocolate chip cookies<br /><br />Grab a mixing bowl and mix together the flour, salt, baking soda. Set aside.<br />Cream together the butter and the two sugars.<br />Add the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla.<br />Slowly mix in the flour mix.<br />Add the chocolate chips.<br /><br />Bake at 350 degrees on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now here are the little changes that can make your cookies PERFECT.<br /><br />*The butter should be at room temperature. If it's too cold, it makes it hard to mix and cream with the sugar. If it's melted down in the microwave, it's too runny. I leave my butter out the night before, or at least several hours before I'm ready to use it.<br /><br />*Depending on how large the eggs are, you may have to add in more flour. The last several times, the eggs have been so big that I have had to add about 1/2 cup extra flour, sometimes more. The way you can tell that you need to add more flour is by touching the cookie dough. If at the end of all the mixing, you touch the dough and it's sticky... It needs more flour. You should be able to pinch the dough and not have it stick to your fingers.<br /><br />*When your cookies are coming out flat, the first thing to check is if you have enough flour in the mix using the pinching test I just mentioned. The other thing it could be is your baking soda has gone flat. To test if your baking soda still works, get a little glass of vinegar and put a teaspoon of baking soda in. If it doesn't fizz, time to get new baking soda.<br /><br />*Most people don't believe me with this trick, but I don't use the whole bag of chocolate chips. I use about 3/4 of the bag. And I only ever use milk chocolate. Never, ever semi-sweet. Why have semi-sweet when you can have the full amount of sweetness? :)<br /><br />*I don't always follow the minute count of the recipe. I consistently watch my cookies. I make sure the edges are golden brown, but I pull them out about a minute early. Most people don't know that they still continue to cook on the inside when you pull them out of the oven and they are still hot. I pull them out a minute early and then leave them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes or so. Then I transfer them to the wire rack. If you pull them off the cookie sheet too soon, the bottom of the cookies will melt through the wire rack. Pulling them out a little early leaves the center of the cookie really soft and they keep for a few days longer. Within an hour of baking them, they go into a sealed container.<br /><br />Hopefully this helps! Comment below with any questions or success stories!<br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-52056665850994756592016-04-18T13:28:00.001-07:002016-04-18T13:28:46.466-07:00Happy First Birthday, Baby Boy!In 9th grade, Steven would always walk me to my 3rd period class. On the way there, we would ask each other get-to-know-you questions. I remember one day, I asked him, "Who is your best friend?" He said, "Well you don't know him, but his name is Colton." He told me all about how they grew up as close as brothers. I don't know why I said this to him (or really why I remember), but I said, "I really love the name Colton!" Fast forward 10 years, a wedding day, and one older brother... and this little Colton was born.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RG2BUrwzyw/Vw8jUG1U7gI/AAAAAAAAFQI/q3s2h9iNfdMxovEr_pv6WcAR0NCwHEk7gCK4B/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RG2BUrwzyw/Vw8jUG1U7gI/AAAAAAAAFQI/q3s2h9iNfdMxovEr_pv6WcAR0NCwHEk7gCK4B/s640/IMG_3064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />It's strange the feelings that come with being a parent. The stress, the worries, the happiness all seem more intense than they did before. How did I ever go to sleep at night without my last thoughts being these babies? And how did I wake up without thinking about them? I believe in soul mates in the romantic way of speaking. But I also believe in a different kind of soul mates; the kind where the people around you are meant to be in your life. I feel like children are the truest form of this type of soul mate. Whether they come to earth through your own body or someone else's, your children have a hold on the very core of your existence.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poxQZF0CRK8/VxVBk1voZVI/AAAAAAAAFQw/K8glAWaFPF0AxumYV6rJnmWw7PKF3Z0FgCK4B/s1600/IMG_4505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poxQZF0CRK8/VxVBk1voZVI/AAAAAAAAFQw/K8glAWaFPF0AxumYV6rJnmWw7PKF3Z0FgCK4B/s320/IMG_4505.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKlaUBlRuVQ/VxVBqy8mWnI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/NhVX-zatZ30tBDDeNFhR1FEmpEQGFOolgCK4B/s1600/2015-53319-15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKlaUBlRuVQ/VxVBqy8mWnI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/NhVX-zatZ30tBDDeNFhR1FEmpEQGFOolgCK4B/s320/2015-53319-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Last Sunday, the boys were wrestling around the room. Weston was trying to hide his trucks from Colton and Colton was trying to bite Weston's wiggling toes. There were squeaks and giggles and screams. Steven and I were laughing and I turned to him and said, "Do you remember when Sunday afternoons were so peaceful and quiet?" He said, "Ya, and I will be sad when they are quiet again." Babies grow into kids, and kids grow up. So I will soak them up while I can.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZjwgwK4MME/VxVBwCRZu3I/AAAAAAAAFRA/IaZ-oCaNaSknDphjr6g4U2-e-DMI_ENrACK4B/s1600/IMG_4855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZjwgwK4MME/VxVBwCRZu3I/AAAAAAAAFRA/IaZ-oCaNaSknDphjr6g4U2-e-DMI_ENrACK4B/s320/IMG_4855.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcl0reA5kfQ/VxVCGqcwk_I/AAAAAAAAFRI/DvktICBl7aQ0pmsA0ujFGNX-JGWNVWMRACK4B/s1600/3004892_102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcl0reA5kfQ/VxVCGqcwk_I/AAAAAAAAFRI/DvktICBl7aQ0pmsA0ujFGNX-JGWNVWMRACK4B/s320/3004892_102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This past Saturday, we had a birthday party for Colton. We are so lucky to have so many fun, loving people in our lives! We had a Sesame Street party because that is literally his favorite thing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FELOnVVlSk/VxVCP7N3ZnI/AAAAAAAAFRU/K6obL3nBfVAqQZ971y6CuLtBe1hT86TLACK4B/s1600/IMG_4173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FELOnVVlSk/VxVCP7N3ZnI/AAAAAAAAFRU/K6obL3nBfVAqQZ971y6CuLtBe1hT86TLACK4B/s640/IMG_4173.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRHCWwKYCA8/VxVCVQdw9QI/AAAAAAAAFRc/QLO4tn06lHo5lWErxFxHMVTysgIvKB7tQCK4B/s1600/IMG_4174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRHCWwKYCA8/VxVCVQdw9QI/AAAAAAAAFRc/QLO4tn06lHo5lWErxFxHMVTysgIvKB7tQCK4B/s640/IMG_4174.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRfHolpVQQY/VxVCbuqxZQI/AAAAAAAAFRk/DYDMoAXkh8ImwvNm21SUHI_FlzVk05xwQCK4B/s1600/IMG_4196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRfHolpVQQY/VxVCbuqxZQI/AAAAAAAAFRk/DYDMoAXkh8ImwvNm21SUHI_FlzVk05xwQCK4B/s640/IMG_4196.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaPCDXrtXR0/VxVCfbEd7RI/AAAAAAAAFRs/mmcTYJuDNYQKY8if5bLJSQjuzKr279agACK4B/s1600/IMG_4192.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaPCDXrtXR0/VxVCfbEd7RI/AAAAAAAAFRs/mmcTYJuDNYQKY8if5bLJSQjuzKr279agACK4B/s640/IMG_4192.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcrqbJ2BJFI/VxVClGfCiCI/AAAAAAAAFR0/umnkzxMDTN0_ddm0XzOxekEt861ImC3iACK4B/s1600/IMG_4199.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcrqbJ2BJFI/VxVClGfCiCI/AAAAAAAAFR0/umnkzxMDTN0_ddm0XzOxekEt861ImC3iACK4B/s640/IMG_4199.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Colton is such a fun little guy. He absolutely refuses to walk, although he can stand up and shoot a basketball into the hoop with no problem. He loves to play basketball and catch. His first word was "ball" and he says it so much that he will even say it in his sleep! He also says, "hi" "bye" and "dad" "ba-ba" and "up above". He learned the last phrase from singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRq8ma9y7r4/VxVCuBFmGhI/AAAAAAAAFR8/PtrtqvNsfPUOJko2mRkhc3fAIDg10MoAACK4B/s1600/IMG_4176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRq8ma9y7r4/VxVCuBFmGhI/AAAAAAAAFR8/PtrtqvNsfPUOJko2mRkhc3fAIDg10MoAACK4B/s400/IMG_4176.jpg" width="270" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wage-plk-ds/VxVC6iPYjVI/AAAAAAAAFSM/1zCPpaxtOUYvWFFSGJ0OVqrmviLg_24dwCK4B/s1600/IMG_4125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wage-plk-ds/VxVC6iPYjVI/AAAAAAAAFSM/1zCPpaxtOUYvWFFSGJ0OVqrmviLg_24dwCK4B/s320/IMG_4125.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TA8GiJphXcg/VxVCw3amQDI/AAAAAAAAFSE/rSHyN94qzoET2-NeuIKEsTjF5Vw3NP8GwCK4B/s1600/IMG_7870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TA8GiJphXcg/VxVCw3amQDI/AAAAAAAAFSE/rSHyN94qzoET2-NeuIKEsTjF5Vw3NP8GwCK4B/s400/IMG_7870.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />Every week I take the boys to the library and they always sing the song with hand motions. Now whenever he wants to sing, he will do the hand motions and sing "up above". {Cue my heart melting} He loves to watch movies, and he is an avid reader. I didn't realize how long a 1 year old could sit and just look at books until he came along. He loves animals, big and small. He is always trying to sneak off to climb something. He is a fruit snacks lover and an all around great eater. He already knows where my candy drawer is! He is so friendly. I love watching him interact with other kids because he will crawl right up to them and say "hi!" and wave.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDBwcq8Tvf4/VxVDGreqosI/AAAAAAAAFSU/6F-d0bY3PBoQlEKRg4B1hw7xGDDQFRMoQCK4B/s1600/22433_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDBwcq8Tvf4/VxVDGreqosI/AAAAAAAAFSU/6F-d0bY3PBoQlEKRg4B1hw7xGDDQFRMoQCK4B/s640/22433_28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />He was a mommy's boy for a while, but now he's switching over to the dad side (How does Steven keep getting so lucky!). He is full of life and happiness and light. His Grandpa Ken is always saying that Colton has a twinkle in his eye, and it's true! I just can't believe it's been a whole year already. I love you so much sweet little Colton!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otQDAsLjBNM/VxVDLlQbm4I/AAAAAAAAFSc/IOF6Enr8ziYHt_EMuunK7Ze6LmhDST8lgCK4B/s1600/22433_120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otQDAsLjBNM/VxVDLlQbm4I/AAAAAAAAFSc/IOF6Enr8ziYHt_EMuunK7Ze6LmhDST8lgCK4B/s640/22433_120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GVzjCNcAqc/VxVDbd3iR4I/AAAAAAAAFSo/C9VDTGlsTOsaQV6FEUHpQIcDwnUpsXbQgCK4B/s1600/IMG_0253%2B-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GVzjCNcAqc/VxVDbd3iR4I/AAAAAAAAFSo/C9VDTGlsTOsaQV6FEUHpQIcDwnUpsXbQgCK4B/s640/IMG_0253%2B-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-67247145048909376942016-04-12T12:19:00.001-07:002016-04-12T12:19:27.183-07:00ABC Felt Book for Colton's #1 Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love quiet books! They are so fun to make and it's so fun for the kids to look at. Colton's first birthday is this weekend and I barely finished his birthday present in time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2Z3raFQPIc/Vw1FqgB4S4I/AAAAAAAAFPg/m27wQi97qEssdmBaSbc0xWABj3NXzu3mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2Z3raFQPIc/Vw1FqgB4S4I/AAAAAAAAFPg/m27wQi97qEssdmBaSbc0xWABj3NXzu3mgCLcB/s640/IMG_4167.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFA7_Gh_LLM/Vw1Fq6j_eyI/AAAAAAAAFPk/NdLwfCAJi08xxhm-YaFVL8j97vS9reJhQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFA7_Gh_LLM/Vw1Fq6j_eyI/AAAAAAAAFPk/NdLwfCAJi08xxhm-YaFVL8j97vS9reJhQCLcB/s640/IMG_4168.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the fun parts about a quiet book is that you can add different textures to add to the touch and feel quality of the book. I used a lot of buttons in this book and jewelry wire for the guitar.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7FRSk_a3KA/Vw1FrV_WmyI/AAAAAAAAFPo/1RcMLuJ3GSoaBUuvnrzC8S0l39xsfsQCQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7FRSk_a3KA/Vw1FrV_WmyI/AAAAAAAAFPo/1RcMLuJ3GSoaBUuvnrzC8S0l39xsfsQCQCLcB/s640/IMG_4169.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JesirXFNC-Y/Vw1Foz6kkzI/AAAAAAAAFPU/VpvcmOii-Dkis0A_KVuUO6VnR3jDbgPrgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JesirXFNC-Y/Vw1Foz6kkzI/AAAAAAAAFPU/VpvcmOii-Dkis0A_KVuUO6VnR3jDbgPrgCLcB/s640/IMG_4160.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjTFr7q4CUw/Vw1Fo1OgZUI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/iqiykvCG8zEO081UbMeIVFcbjLl1KweJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjTFr7q4CUw/Vw1Fo1OgZUI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/iqiykvCG8zEO081UbMeIVFcbjLl1KweJwCLcB/s640/IMG_4162.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83uG8Gmzkww/Vw1FozOUCnI/AAAAAAAAFPY/kM4v_KneJlMmWTSZ68rXczUeD48kpBq-ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83uG8Gmzkww/Vw1FozOUCnI/AAAAAAAAFPY/kM4v_KneJlMmWTSZ68rXczUeD48kpBq-ACLcB/s640/IMG_4165.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMoJbErz70M/Vw1FqLxFmnI/AAAAAAAAFPc/gsqAn8yDcOYtddEUNcHI5e5HWUuBvgcOwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMoJbErz70M/Vw1FqLxFmnI/AAAAAAAAFPc/gsqAn8yDcOYtddEUNcHI5e5HWUuBvgcOwCLcB/s640/IMG_4166.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watch for another blog post this weekend about his birthday party details (Sesame Street!) and the cutest smash cake pictures you've ever seen!</div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-38660859252018071302016-02-18T20:36:00.003-08:002016-02-18T20:36:18.921-08:00Quilty Fun Anniversary Quilt!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpUVDyLQIyg/VsaZu5ZRktI/AAAAAAAAFMM/U4x28Wn3W74/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-18%2Bat%2B9.27.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpUVDyLQIyg/VsaZu5ZRktI/AAAAAAAAFMM/U4x28Wn3W74/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-18%2Bat%2B9.27.17%2BPM.png" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite quilting artist is Lori Holt. She's incredible! I bought her first book last year called Quilty Fun. It has so many cute patchwork quilt ideas!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have read my blog before, you know that every anniversary, my husband and I make our gifts for each other. This past December was our 6th anniversary. The traditional gift for anniversary 6 is wood or metal. Well, I stretched that a bit and appliquéd a big tree on this quilt! It was a lot of work putting this together with a 2 year old and 6 month old, but somehow it came together just in time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1-2QZ2KI9Y/VqU7gEPdJhI/AAAAAAAAFKY/5COZ-klfkcg/s1600/IMG_3760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1-2QZ2KI9Y/VqU7gEPdJhI/AAAAAAAAFKY/5COZ-klfkcg/s640/IMG_3760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a lot of the different blocks from Quilty Fun and made it into my own. The house, the apples, the leaves, and the flying geese are all in her book. It was really easy to follow because it has pictures that go step by step. It's really great for visual learners! I hadn't ever done anything like this before and I was able to do it without a problem, which means you can too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e66byGR_20I/VqU7aQTMvsI/AAAAAAAAFJo/rqkuBjQxxnc/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e66byGR_20I/VqU7aQTMvsI/AAAAAAAAFJo/rqkuBjQxxnc/s640/IMG_3752.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTgYFN75qnw/VqU7eSd8UuI/AAAAAAAAFKE/v8gAP3cwY6I/s1600/IMG_3758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTgYFN75qnw/VqU7eSd8UuI/AAAAAAAAFKE/v8gAP3cwY6I/s640/IMG_3758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The apple cores are my fav! :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eECjbKKt4Ag/VqU7auyuLiI/AAAAAAAAFJs/-o1c1Z7_5Zo/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eECjbKKt4Ag/VqU7auyuLiI/AAAAAAAAFJs/-o1c1Z7_5Zo/s640/IMG_3753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTdJ3wJ8iXA/VqU7dtv_rRI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/6ReaD2BVMfU/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTdJ3wJ8iXA/VqU7dtv_rRI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/6ReaD2BVMfU/s640/IMG_3754.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was able to use all my scraps and some of my Aunt Sue's stash so the whole quilt only cost me a few dollars for the backside fabric. Her book makes great use of scraps!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5yNmA65YxM/VqU7eZK4jiI/AAAAAAAAFKI/e7SfTsjv4SQ/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5yNmA65YxM/VqU7eZK4jiI/AAAAAAAAFKI/e7SfTsjv4SQ/s640/IMG_3756.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqu2FoqA6Q4/VqU7fQIDgHI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/FumUtnOYM3I/s1600/IMG_3759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqu2FoqA6Q4/VqU7fQIDgHI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/FumUtnOYM3I/s640/IMG_3759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzDDLxmjilc/VqU7Zw2ksRI/AAAAAAAAFJk/wPrZp5bUoM0/s1600/IMG_3751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzDDLxmjilc/VqU7Zw2ksRI/AAAAAAAAFJk/wPrZp5bUoM0/s640/IMG_3751.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My handsome date! :)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNOqEW1znLk/VsabiLUG_jI/AAAAAAAAFMs/Nf_WKpXAVI4/s1600/IMG_6843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNOqEW1znLk/VsabiLUG_jI/AAAAAAAAFMs/Nf_WKpXAVI4/s640/IMG_6843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have fun quilting!&nbsp;</div><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-32012611218206544022016-01-22T13:54:00.002-08:002016-01-22T13:54:33.571-08:00Documenting Your BabiesSo many people have been asking me lately what I do as far as documenting my kids' lives. I think for a lot of people it's daunting and overwhelming and just hard to do. Hopefully I have a couple of ideas for you that make it less stressful and more fun!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KD3I60mOhI/VqKbdx-JQCI/AAAAAAAAFEg/QIAVD4KGZa8/s1600/IMG_3714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KD3I60mOhI/VqKbdx-JQCI/AAAAAAAAFEg/QIAVD4KGZa8/s640/IMG_3714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The first thing that I get done is the story book. I use Snapfish, but you could use any online software that has the capability of making hardcover books. The point of this book is to give the baby a book to look at that shows them how much they were wanted and loved in a way that's easy to understand. I give it the title of, "The story of {child's name}". I always start it out by saying, "Once upon a time..." because what good story doesn't start with that line? I use simple language that would be easy for them to understand and one day read.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEuR_4klms8/VqKbdg5i3sI/AAAAAAAAFEc/YmADvx1uXPc/s1600/IMG_3715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEuR_4klms8/VqKbdg5i3sI/AAAAAAAAFEc/YmADvx1uXPc/s640/IMG_3715.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I talk about what was going on before they were born, and when we first found out we were pregnant.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w41DzGc_FtU/VqKbf2JPhkI/AAAAAAAAFE0/ownpiWeLzro/s1600/IMG_3717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w41DzGc_FtU/VqKbf2JPhkI/AAAAAAAAFE0/ownpiWeLzro/s640/IMG_3717.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There's pictures of ultrasounds.<br /><br />Every week from the time I am 10 weeks along I take belly pictures. Trust me, I hated them in the moment too! But I am so glad that I did it. It's fun to look back and see how fast the baby was growing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WiTVgIvlQA/VqKbgYVXlkI/AAAAAAAAFE8/VzLo63X-9uw/s1600/IMG_3719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WiTVgIvlQA/VqKbgYVXlkI/AAAAAAAAFE8/VzLo63X-9uw/s640/IMG_3719.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I include pictures from the day they were born and pictures of them with their aunts and grandparents so they can see how many people they have on their team.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cY_TKHLR5uc/VqKbiFziWLI/AAAAAAAAFFI/21HEEy8NXLw/s1600/IMG_3720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cY_TKHLR5uc/VqKbiFziWLI/AAAAAAAAFFI/21HEEy8NXLw/s640/IMG_3720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />With Colton's book, I added a page about the first time Weston met him and how much they loved each other already.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcAKIxikV4E/VqKbjWHEVgI/AAAAAAAAFFY/3XoESbtcKFU/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcAKIxikV4E/VqKbjWHEVgI/AAAAAAAAFFY/3XoESbtcKFU/s640/IMG_3724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I put in pages about their name sake, and what they were blessed with during their baby blessing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BpeaKqortg/VqKbikhrfUI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/cfyuI2oCDtw/s1600/IMG_3721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BpeaKqortg/VqKbikhrfUI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/cfyuI2oCDtw/s640/IMG_3721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDnOK1vFqwc/VqKbkbhpHvI/AAAAAAAAFFo/cT0vCOrRzf0/s1600/IMG_3727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDnOK1vFqwc/VqKbkbhpHvI/AAAAAAAAFFo/cT0vCOrRzf0/s640/IMG_3727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I add a page about specific things that we love about the baby.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BECIYUT8aDw/VqKbj4Hc7sI/AAAAAAAAFFg/WR9HEivQnVk/s1600/IMG_3725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BECIYUT8aDw/VqKbj4Hc7sI/AAAAAAAAFFg/WR9HEivQnVk/s640/IMG_3725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUriHaxPrjQ/VqKblOAMNtI/AAAAAAAAFFw/0NoIWLczHT4/s1600/IMG_3728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUriHaxPrjQ/VqKblOAMNtI/AAAAAAAAFFw/0NoIWLczHT4/s640/IMG_3728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u82aniKWtbM/VqKbl1LNtPI/AAAAAAAAFF0/HHhsPwLNXkI/s1600/IMG_3729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u82aniKWtbM/VqKbl1LNtPI/AAAAAAAAFF0/HHhsPwLNXkI/s640/IMG_3729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />On the last page, I make sure to tell them that life is better because they are here and how much we love them. There is a blank page at the back of the book and both Steven and I write a letter to the baby.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaDm1k7p5yo/VqKbmqwNOGI/AAAAAAAAFF8/AYwNdEX8g7Y/s1600/IMG_3731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaDm1k7p5yo/VqKbmqwNOGI/AAAAAAAAFF8/AYwNdEX8g7Y/s640/IMG_3731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I make two copies of the book. One I keep in the book shelf with all their other books and the copy with the letters in the back I keep in the closet for when they are older. I love these books! Weston's book is so loved that it has been taped together many, many times. On Snapfish, you can often get buy one get one free books, or even 60% off. So this is a great deal and worth every penny! The easy thing about this is that you don't have to have any extra materials besides your digital pictures.<br /><br />As far as an actual scrapbook goes, I make one scrapbook that is a baby book. This includes pictures starting from the time that we found out I was pregnant until they are 3 months old. If you know me, you know that I am seriously holding back the reigns with this one! Prior to babies, I made SO many scrapbooks of just Steven and me. I love scrapbooking! But I do realize that one day these babies are going to be grown men and they don't want to take a thousand books around about their childhood. So for right now, the baby book is it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPcRUnH3SK8/VqKbnyL65yI/AAAAAAAAFGI/WbcPkrn7z54/s1600/IMG_3733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPcRUnH3SK8/VqKbnyL65yI/AAAAAAAAFGI/WbcPkrn7z54/s640/IMG_3733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have a title page that introduces the book. Then the next page is the story of when we found out I was pregnant and telling those closest to us. Within the first couple of months of being pregnant, both Steven and I write a letter to the baby. It just talks about how excited we are to meet them and some of our hopes for the baby. I put these in an envelope in the scrapbook.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z40oMwsZSI/VqKbqxRWY5I/AAAAAAAAFGo/KJzxhIsN440/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z40oMwsZSI/VqKbqxRWY5I/AAAAAAAAFGo/KJzxhIsN440/s640/IMG_3736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J-7s6cY5Jg/VqKbqh-7ISI/AAAAAAAAFGg/0iSYNz1DXvk/s1600/IMG_3737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J-7s6cY5Jg/VqKbqh-7ISI/AAAAAAAAFGg/0iSYNz1DXvk/s640/IMG_3737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I include my belly pictures and I write each week a little about how I am feeling or any weird cravings or how big the baby is. I make sure to do a page about the nursery because I feel like I put so much time and love into the room. I want them to know how excited I was for them to come!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NN796IQn0w/VqKbrTdr0NI/AAAAAAAAFGw/-uAY9rB9tdQ/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NN796IQn0w/VqKbrTdr0NI/AAAAAAAAFGw/-uAY9rB9tdQ/s640/IMG_3738.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuDdpQK1Ei8/VqKbxDbWMII/AAAAAAAAFHo/E9TMJZtO58s/s1600/IMG_3747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuDdpQK1Ei8/VqKbxDbWMII/AAAAAAAAFHo/E9TMJZtO58s/s640/IMG_3747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I try to include fun details like stats on what life was like the day they were born. For example, top headlines, gas prices, hit songs... &nbsp;A lot of people tell me they get nervous about scrapbooking because they feel like they can't make it "fancy" enough. Scrapbooking doesn't have to be anything expensive or fancy. In fact, I feel like my scrapbooks are more on the plain side. For me, the important part is the journaling. I even set aside at least 10 pages where Steven writes. I want them to know what their dad was thinking and feeling too! And I even have grandparents write a little.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmH47HN8qwA/VqKbuTSaTdI/AAAAAAAAFHM/PbTYFzK3KFg/s1600/IMG_3742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmH47HN8qwA/VqKbuTSaTdI/AAAAAAAAFHM/PbTYFzK3KFg/s640/IMG_3742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvZWg5dpak8/VqKbzpp3RDI/AAAAAAAAFH8/D2MF4UEUv00/s1600/IMG_3749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvZWg5dpak8/VqKbzpp3RDI/AAAAAAAAFH8/D2MF4UEUv00/s640/IMG_3749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLAEJeTcQS0/VqKbyyFc0yI/AAAAAAAAFH0/_KeQCg47wh4/s1600/IMG_3748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLAEJeTcQS0/VqKbyyFc0yI/AAAAAAAAFH0/_KeQCg47wh4/s640/IMG_3748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2lRYNbifbE/VqKbwlOkp4I/AAAAAAAAFHk/mnEVPPb0u0A/s1600/IMG_3744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2lRYNbifbE/VqKbwlOkp4I/AAAAAAAAFHk/mnEVPPb0u0A/s640/IMG_3744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Each month of the first year they are born, I take a picture of them in the same location. The last two pages of the book have all these pictures in order so you can see just how much they grew in one year.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vgBO5hVBgk/VqKbw3ND4uI/AAAAAAAAFIE/iL1WTiYpqFQ/s1600/IMG_3746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vgBO5hVBgk/VqKbw3ND4uI/AAAAAAAAFIE/iL1WTiYpqFQ/s640/IMG_3746.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFePCzRfOgg/VqKbzu-en8I/AAAAAAAAFIA/5G9Pm_17RCc/s1600/IMG_3750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFePCzRfOgg/VqKbzu-en8I/AAAAAAAAFIA/5G9Pm_17RCc/s640/IMG_3750.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other ideas are putting things like a tuft of hair from their first hair cut, how they got their name, and a family tree.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHa2n3GB3oA/VqKbuKHCJNI/AAAAAAAAFHU/hXtrbVDLr9U/s1600/IMG_3741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHa2n3GB3oA/VqKbuKHCJNI/AAAAAAAAFHU/hXtrbVDLr9U/s640/IMG_3741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-MHf_uY1Bg/VqKbtXmL4QI/AAAAAAAAFG8/PvisWX0wprc/s1600/IMG_3740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-MHf_uY1Bg/VqKbtXmL4QI/AAAAAAAAFG8/PvisWX0wprc/s640/IMG_3740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A26GqkT75iQ/VqKbu2iQMwI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/Vd1jDKhutr4/s1600/IMG_3743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A26GqkT75iQ/VqKbu2iQMwI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/Vd1jDKhutr4/s640/IMG_3743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because journaling is the most important part to me, in between pages of pictures, I add my journal entries of when I had the baby. Anyone with a baby knows that it is pretty hard to find the time to sit down and just write a whole 10 pages of a birth story. You want to know my secret? A lot of times, I start by typing it on my phone. I am pretty fast at texting so I open a new note and I can write my journal entry little by little.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsT6wBg2hVg/VqKbsttKwzI/AAAAAAAAFG0/76ekK3GfgWA/s1600/IMG_3739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsT6wBg2hVg/VqKbsttKwzI/AAAAAAAAFG0/76ekK3GfgWA/s640/IMG_3739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also include a list of all the baby's "firsts", like first time crawling, first word, etc.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAmmfbp5EFc/VqKboLoaDqI/AAAAAAAAFGM/UtfUFxyk6iY/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAmmfbp5EFc/VqKboLoaDqI/AAAAAAAAFGM/UtfUFxyk6iY/s640/IMG_3734.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The scrapbook is by far the longest time stealer. Weston's book didn't get done until right before Colton was born. It was a little easier to get Colton's done just because the two boys entertain each other, so for me two babies is much easier than one! People ask me tips for how to start a scrapbook... Here's what I tell them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Gather all your pictures and items you want to add to the scrapbook in one place. This makes it easier to see how you want to organize everything and you won't accidentally forget something. Before I make any pages, I always organize the photos first so I can see what I'm working with.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Look on Pinterest or through scrapbook magazines for ideas if you are feeling less than creative.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Get some fun new paper to spark ideas. There are always sales at Hobby Lobby or JoAnns and it's so fun to look at different scrapbook stores.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Beyond these books...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always feel bad not being able to have time to scrapbook all the cute things that happen or the major holidays and vacations. I came up with this <a href="http://craftingwithheart.blogspot.com/2014/06/organize-those-photos.html">method</a>. Try and see if it works for you! Along with my 3x5 card method, I also do one journal entry every month for each boy. For example, since Weston's birthday is October 16, on the 16th of every month I write a journal entry about him. I write new things that he has experienced, things that he has learned, a funny story. It's usually a page, once in a while a page and a half. I haven't done anything with these yet. I print them and add them to a folder I have for each of them. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I know that I won't regret having the memories written down.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know it seems like a lot when it's all written out, but it's actually only a couple of hours a month. It takes me about an hour to do the 3x5 card method each month and half an hour or so per baby for the journal. Have a new goal for the new year! Neither you nor your baby will regret it! :)</div><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-30352579849526644582016-01-10T18:31:00.001-08:002016-01-10T18:31:08.252-08:00Spark Joy To start off the New Year, I have a great book for you! Some of you have heard about the book called, "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo. I haven't read that book yet, although it sounded fascinating to me. They were talking about that book at my book club. There were mixed reviews about it. Overall, they thought that she had some great organizing ideas about organizing but that she was rather pretentious. As soon as I got home, I looked the book up. The author has written another book called, "Spark Joy".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnHyqoHOqwI/VpMMgHzh5LI/AAAAAAAAE-E/NBpqr18VmJw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-10%2Bat%2B6.58.43%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnHyqoHOqwI/VpMMgHzh5LI/AAAAAAAAE-E/NBpqr18VmJw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-10%2Bat%2B6.58.43%2BPM.png" width="295" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can honestly tell you that it's amazing! It's an easy read and it really has some incredible ideas. The best is that she explains why you are doing this method and gives great picture demonstrations. I know it seems foreign to some people, but the idea is that your possessions should all spark joy in your life. If the things you have don't make you happy, why do you have them? I took some notes on the first two chapters (yes, that's how much I love cleaning!). Take a look and you and see if the method intrigues you like it intrigues me!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">..........</div><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2027" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2067" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"><br /></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2067" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2066">Spark Joy Notes</span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2067" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">Overview</span></div><br /><ul class="yiv4984026509ul1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2026" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 2px 0px; padding: 0px 40px;"><li class="yiv4984026509li1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2065" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2064">finish discarding before tidying</span></li></ul><ul class="yiv4984026509ul1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2026" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 2px 0px; padding: 0px 40px;"><li class="yiv4984026509li1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2025" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2024">Tidy by category, not room<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul><ul class="yiv4984026509ul1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2026" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 2px 0px; padding: 0px 40px;"><li class="yiv4984026509li1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2038" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2037">Order of 1. Clothes 2. Books 3. Papers 4. Miscellany 5. Sentimental items</span></li></ul><ul class="yiv4984026509ul1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2026" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 2px 0px; padding: 0px 40px;"><li class="yiv4984026509li1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2062" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2063">Ask if it sparks joy. You are not deciding what to discard, but what to keep<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul><ul class="yiv4984026509ul1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2026" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 2px 0px; padding: 0px 40px;"><li class="yiv4984026509li1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2039" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2115">Thank the item. By fostering an appreciation for things, it reminds you to take better care of what you have.<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul><ul class="yiv4984026509ul1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2026" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 2px 0px; padding: 0px 40px;"><li class="yiv4984026509li1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2041" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2040">If you take good care of your home, it will attract another one to you<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul><br /><div class="yiv4984026509p2" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2116" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"></span><br /></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2117" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">Chapter 1</span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2119" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2118">“Tidying is the act of confronting yourself; cleaning is the act of confronting nature"</span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2119" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"><i>Meaning that tidying is organizing possessions and cleaning is getting rid of dirt.&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p2" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2120" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"></span><br /></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2122" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2121">-year end cleaning leads to things being half done<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">-tidying orders the mind while cleaning purifies it.<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">-you find what brings joy when you compare items<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"></span><br /></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">There are other emotions besides excitement or fascination that cause joy. An item that makes life easier, etc can cause joy.<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"><span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space"><i>Some items may not cause you joy... Like a screwdriver brings me no happiness. But it does allow me to change batteries in toys much easier than using a butter knife so it 'sparks joy'</i>.</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"><span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">-the things we need definitely make our lives happier<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">-the theme is appreciating every item you use<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">-sometimes our lack of joy can show your true inner self</span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"><i>She discusses a client who hated every item that was involved in her job which led her to realize she needed a change in career to make her life happier.&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"></span><br /></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">“When you wear and surround yourself with the things you love, your house becomes your own personal paradise.”</span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"></span><br /></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1">Some clutter will happen even once you have tidied. But since everything has a place, it will be faster to pick up.<span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="yiv4984026509p2" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2127" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"></span><br /></div><div class="yiv4984026509p1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2126" style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; line-height: normal; padding: 0px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1452476802227_2125">Anxiety about organizing comes with not seeing the whole picture.</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1" style="font-size: 17pt;"><span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="yiv4984026509s1"><span class="yiv4984026509Apple-converted-space">..........</span></span></div></div><br />I am not really one that usually enjoys these types of books, but with a new house on my mind a lot lately, this definitely was appropriate. Hopefully this gives you some good ideas for the new year!<br /><br />And just because I didn't get around to a Christmas post, here is my favorite snap from the holiday season!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pq1FQB4QYk4/VpMTubZxz-I/AAAAAAAAE-U/bnPug4j9K5w/s1600/IMG_3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pq1FQB4QYk4/VpMTubZxz-I/AAAAAAAAE-U/bnPug4j9K5w/s640/IMG_3636.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-18073781712367156142015-10-10T20:41:00.002-07:002015-10-10T20:41:36.275-07:00A Double Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPO9uAGzNN8/VhnOgFWnepI/AAAAAAAAE6E/tmH893--03Q/s1600/IMG_3062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPO9uAGzNN8/VhnOgFWnepI/AAAAAAAAE6E/tmH893--03Q/s640/IMG_3062.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;I have been so excited about today! I just love to celebrate birthdays. Cake, ice cream, theme decorations... What's not to love? My cute hubby turns 26 today and little Weston turns 2 next week. October is the greatest!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poyvZM4VWrY/VhnOnIbE6-I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/fPNM2UgGwi8/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poyvZM4VWrY/VhnOnIbE6-I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/fPNM2UgGwi8/s640/IMG_3068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With Weston's current obsession with Monster Jam, we thought that would be a fun idea for a party. Pinterest had lots of ideas for Monster Jam parties.. Particularly <a href="http://koriclark.com/2013/05/15/modern-monster-truck-party/">this&nbsp;</a>and <a href="http://frugalistamamas.com/2013/12/monster-truck-birthday.html">this</a> one. So many fun ideas. I didn't use all of them, mostly because the kids that we were coming were mostly under 2 so a lot of the cute activities would have gone over their heads. But I loved all the different ideas for the food!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itPk4pdDc4I/VhnOnDNzNLI/AAAAAAAAE6M/WuH0cSBrVu4/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itPk4pdDc4I/VhnOnDNzNLI/AAAAAAAAE6M/WuH0cSBrVu4/s640/IMG_3069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXW6mHDy9-M/VhnOt49qhpI/AAAAAAAAE6c/Gf-GFsOs6-0/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXW6mHDy9-M/VhnOt49qhpI/AAAAAAAAE6c/Gf-GFsOs6-0/s640/IMG_3072.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPxs603s2K4/VhnO31AUMbI/AAAAAAAAE6s/mf3N3psnJxA/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPxs603s2K4/VhnO31AUMbI/AAAAAAAAE6s/mf3N3psnJxA/s640/IMG_3082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We played in the backyard since the weather was so nice and kept the food simple with cake, root beer floats and doughnuts. Don't you love the Monster Truck shirt? Target :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AurGZxA02QQ/VhnO-p9N2vI/AAAAAAAAE64/KHL2ynYWDgs/s1600/IMG_3088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AurGZxA02QQ/VhnO-p9N2vI/AAAAAAAAE64/KHL2ynYWDgs/s640/IMG_3088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2Ahbyg-MNE/VhnO-U9TEAI/AAAAAAAAE60/UYlegZF54I4/s1600/IMG_3092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2Ahbyg-MNE/VhnO-U9TEAI/AAAAAAAAE60/UYlegZF54I4/s640/IMG_3092.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had so many fun friends come over! There were even a couple more, but they came after the picture. So many cute little guys!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODxyNZiF1I/VhnPJ3HMUWI/AAAAAAAAE7E/dmo1PSmsjgg/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AODxyNZiF1I/VhnPJ3HMUWI/AAAAAAAAE7E/dmo1PSmsjgg/s640/IMG_3101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the quilt that I made for little Westy. I have been working on it for a while now. Remember <a href="http://craftingwithheart.blogspot.com/2014/05/weston-gets-car-mat.html">this</a> post about how to use crayon on quilts? That's what I did for this quilt. I used Pinterest to find coloring pages of all Weston's favorite things and then used a light box to draw it onto the fabric.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HG60_dwOurQ/VhnPSkoY_wI/AAAAAAAAE7U/SCY2Rz1M7yw/s1600/IMG_3110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HG60_dwOurQ/VhnPSkoY_wI/AAAAAAAAE7U/SCY2Rz1M7yw/s640/IMG_3110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think my favorite part is the triangle border. I found <a href="http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/quilt-patterns/wall-quilts/sweet-tea?page=0%2C5">this</a> tutorial on Pinterest. It was a great, easy to use tutorial that adds so much to the quilt.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWfA-z5uE1U/VhnPOcIO-hI/AAAAAAAAE7M/8_s2hqTG9Z4/s1600/IMG_3111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWfA-z5uE1U/VhnPOcIO-hI/AAAAAAAAE7M/8_s2hqTG9Z4/s640/IMG_3111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dp1lhcXaD2w/VhnPXmaSsVI/AAAAAAAAE7c/vpb4tnsQv94/s1600/IMG_3112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dp1lhcXaD2w/VhnPXmaSsVI/AAAAAAAAE7c/vpb4tnsQv94/s640/IMG_3112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so much fun to put together! And he has had a lot of fun looking at all the different characters on it. Two is such a fun age!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt7rRm5ywh8/VhnPZZHsz3I/AAAAAAAAE7k/jbudPV5Qjqc/s1600/IMG_3113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt7rRm5ywh8/VhnPZZHsz3I/AAAAAAAAE7k/jbudPV5Qjqc/s640/IMG_3113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You didn't think I could get through an entire birthday party bash post and not mention how awesome &nbsp;these boys are, did you? Because I totally can't. :)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My parents always talked about how fast babies grow up, but whoa.. it's terribly true. Steven and I always talk about how when you are a parent, one minute can feel like a year, but a year can feel like a second. It's weird how that works.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How did he go from this smiley little guy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdN79FERQ9s/VhSZIc67HJI/AAAAAAAAE5E/dFuUp24u6TU/s1600/IMG_7589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdN79FERQ9s/VhSZIc67HJI/AAAAAAAAE5E/dFuUp24u6TU/s640/IMG_7589.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To this smiley big guy?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNVD8apoWdM/VhSZEedHXeI/AAAAAAAAE4A/AEJTZ45pdjc/s1600/IMG_4636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNVD8apoWdM/VhSZEedHXeI/AAAAAAAAE4A/AEJTZ45pdjc/s640/IMG_4636.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even before we got married, I would always talk about how scared I was to have boys. I come from a house of girls, and I really, really love girls. Say what you want about the drama or whining, but I loved having a house of sisters and having a group of girlfriends. I loved the princess life and the sparkles and high heels. I couldn't imagine a life with cars and dirt and {gasp} bugs... I told Steven that the only way that I wouldn't be terrified of having a boy first is if our boy was exactly like him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsmYfGdYpd8/VhSZE8LdaHI/AAAAAAAAE4M/hGM-4fvF-LM/s1600/IMG_4547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsmYfGdYpd8/VhSZE8LdaHI/AAAAAAAAE4M/hGM-4fvF-LM/s640/IMG_4547.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well wish granted! These two handsome guys are seriously more and more alike each day. They have always looked like each other obviously, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SK1FcBnUBvc/VhSZFk-qWZI/AAAAAAAAE4c/UrFcBvjm_34/s1600/IMG_4909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SK1FcBnUBvc/VhSZFk-qWZI/AAAAAAAAE4c/UrFcBvjm_34/s640/IMG_4909.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They both are so active, and have so much energy it blows my mind. Weston can have a night where he sleeps 3 hours and still gets up at 7:00 wanting to go outside to jump on the tramp!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To say that they love cars is a huge understatement. And they love animals just as much.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once they get their minds set on something, you can forget about trying to convince them of something else. That can make for a few hard toddler moments, but it is a quality that has greatly benefited Steven's whole life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9aRdLgV3wM/VhSZEmblIfI/AAAAAAAAE4E/vEjY45_yFCg/s1600/IMG_4808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9aRdLgV3wM/VhSZEmblIfI/AAAAAAAAE4E/vEjY45_yFCg/s400/IMG_4808.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Weston is fiercely independent, but also loves to be cuddled. He thinks everything is an iPhone touch screen and he cheers every time his dad gets home from work. The boys even have the same diet! Chick-fil-A makes up a good portion of their meals.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are both loving, and they have tender hearts, which I think is the best quality a person can have. They are both extremely protective, of each other, me, and baby Cole.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs7mCavwZPo/VhSZFWYnqRI/AAAAAAAAE4U/eRFKoOLNITY/s1600/IMG_4849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs7mCavwZPo/VhSZFWYnqRI/AAAAAAAAE4U/eRFKoOLNITY/s640/IMG_4849.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They both love to tell stories and make people laugh. They have utterly infectious laughs; it's impossible to not laugh along with them. Making new friends is always on their to do list. Coming from a person who was even too shy to call someone on the phone, both of them have pushed me to grow and learn and make new friends of my own.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLs9i3fL4Q8/VhSY-GxH-rI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/-2uUYZq97Ww/s1600/IMG_3718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLs9i3fL4Q8/VhSY-GxH-rI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/-2uUYZq97Ww/s640/IMG_3718.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steven and I have been together 10 years now, and he continually surprises me. For those of you who know Steven, he is out-going and loud and so much fun, but I think most of his high school buddies would be surprised at how quiet of a dad he is. He is very soft-spoken and hardly ever gets his feathers ruffled. There have been many nights that he has outrun me in the patience race. He works hard at work and school, then works hard when he comes home to help me with the boys.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doTGz_4MRGo/VhSY0uLcJpI/AAAAAAAAE2U/dKtTom_rOJc/s1600/2015-53319-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doTGz_4MRGo/VhSY0uLcJpI/AAAAAAAAE2U/dKtTom_rOJc/s640/2015-53319-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Steven with Colton July 2015}</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RUhXNnvzjg/VhSY2kKnD1I/AAAAAAAAE2o/Pnj7ozU2xHs/s1600/IMG_2793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RUhXNnvzjg/VhSY2kKnD1I/AAAAAAAAE2o/Pnj7ozU2xHs/s640/IMG_2793.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">If you would have asked me when we got married what our life would be like towards our 6th anniversary, I never would have guessed this. Who knew I would have TWO little baby boys to look after? I never would have thought that I would know every name of every truck in Monster Jam or even all the one liners from movies like Cars. Now I don't even want to think about a life without Thomas Train.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Happy Birthday to little Weston, who made me a mom. I'm so grateful you are you and for all the happiness you have brought us.</div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And Happy Birthday to my one and only love. You make every day a good day.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ewIvm67XT0/VhnQHS3VlAI/AAAAAAAAE70/TuZP1iCNAxA/s1600/3004892_5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ewIvm67XT0/VhnQHS3VlAI/AAAAAAAAE70/TuZP1iCNAxA/s640/3004892_5-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vRNX7T1EQg/VhSY2-MLE2I/AAAAAAAAE3A/H9qQzY7-0jg/s1600/DSC_8034-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vRNX7T1EQg/VhSY2-MLE2I/AAAAAAAAE3A/H9qQzY7-0jg/s640/DSC_8034-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-48610419296844291262015-06-18T18:58:00.000-07:002015-06-18T19:01:50.294-07:00Must-haves for Baby!<div style="text-align: center;">So many people have asked me about what kinds of products are my must-haves for my babies. And I have to admit, that if I'm going to be spending money, I love to buy baby things! Here is a list of things that I loved for my newborns...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Boppy</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Learning to nurse can be hard! It's hard learning the best positions and not getting a sore neck or back. This was so helpful for me. And as the baby gets bigger it's a great way to help prop them up to see the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cm78qzC2Oc/VW4DCz6cQ5I/AAAAAAAAECY/RzeEfIN2kws/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.17.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cm78qzC2Oc/VW4DCz6cQ5I/AAAAAAAAECY/RzeEfIN2kws/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.17.42%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Aden &amp; Anais burp cloths and swaddles</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will admit, the burp cloths are a little pricey, so I only have two of them. But they are great. The material is super absorbent and they fit around your shoulder perfectly. The swaddles are great, especially for spring/summer babies because the material is so light that they don't get sweaty. Plus, they are super cute! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOgl6arpIGQ/VW4DGhJv6rI/AAAAAAAAEDg/-UiozKxHULE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.24.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOgl6arpIGQ/VW4DGhJv6rI/AAAAAAAAEDg/-UiozKxHULE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.24.00%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMqC128qiIQ/VW4DG9aHuCI/AAAAAAAAEDw/U3MlTYxucB0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.24.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMqC128qiIQ/VW4DG9aHuCI/AAAAAAAAEDw/U3MlTYxucB0/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.24.18%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Mamaroo</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, the Mamaroo. I didn't have this for my first baby and boy, do I regret it! We got this as a gift for baby Colton and it has been INCREDIBLE. Because it moves all different ways and different speeds, it fits every mood. It can rock him to sleep for me on nights that Weston is having a hard time. I know my friend loves to use hers in the morning so she can get ready and her baby stays perfectly content. Completely worth the money.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOjYrWXCzvM/VW4DD-nCgdI/AAAAAAAAECo/BdxtzYVctkw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.19.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOjYrWXCzvM/VW4DD-nCgdI/AAAAAAAAECo/BdxtzYVctkw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.19.01%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Woombie</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">This is probably one of my all time favorite things. The Woombie is a zip up swaddle. Colton just loved to be swaddled so this was perfect. They do run pretty small like the reviews say, so keep that in mind when ordering one. I used the newborn size for a few weeks then switched to the Big Baby size. The minute I put Colton in his, he would calm right down. You can't use these when they start rolling because their arms are swaddled up so the next step is the Zippadeezip. My friend swears by hers, so I have one ordered and on its way!&nbsp;</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ozSFRu_Vrk/VW4DEyW6r4I/AAAAAAAAEDA/i0Zb2HCBBhI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.20.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ozSFRu_Vrk/VW4DEyW6r4I/AAAAAAAAEDA/i0Zb2HCBBhI/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.20.54%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Butt Paste&nbsp;</b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I tried several different diaper creams and this one worked the fastest by a long shot. And the tube lasted me forever.&nbsp;</span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70OQOCs4TF0/VW4DDoq2BII/AAAAAAAAECk/XMVruIzQ6bY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.18.24%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70OQOCs4TF0/VW4DDoq2BII/AAAAAAAAECk/XMVruIzQ6bY/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.18.24%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><b>Nuk Binkies</b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">I love Nuk Binkies because they actually stay in the baby's mouth without me having to hold it in for him. Nothing is worse than finally getting a baby soothed and calm with a binky then the binky just falls out. Grr! These binkies match the shape of their mouth so it's easier to keep the suction.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pry3E-U1U8w/VW4DjK35H_I/AAAAAAAAEEI/FoHxoLL5L1Y/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.26.48%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pry3E-U1U8w/VW4DjK35H_I/AAAAAAAAEEI/FoHxoLL5L1Y/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.26.48%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><b>Drop In bottles</b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Drop In bottles are perfect for newborns and little babies because they are so fast to warm up. When warming up bottles, you have to warm they by sticking them in a bowl of hot water. It can take a while when warming them up through a thick plastic bottle. The drop ins make it fast because they are thin. And if you buy the Target brand of drop ins, it can be very affordable.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDUk-I_yYPA/VW4DGPMHQZI/AAAAAAAAEDU/osWfJgsERaM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.22.08%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="601" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDUk-I_yYPA/VW4DGPMHQZI/AAAAAAAAEDU/osWfJgsERaM/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.22.08%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><b>Tommee Tippee</b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">These are my favorite for when they are started on formula or regular milk. They are easy to hold and easy to wash. They don't have all the extra parts that are easily lost.&nbsp;</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUCrGLs6L9g/VW4DFsJOA6I/AAAAAAAAEDM/2rbaIUph_Rk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.21.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUCrGLs6L9g/VW4DFsJOA6I/AAAAAAAAEDM/2rbaIUph_Rk/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.21.23%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUCrGLs6L9g/VW4DFsJOA6I/AAAAAAAAEDM/2rbaIUph_Rk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.21.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUCrGLs6L9g/VW4DFsJOA6I/AAAAAAAAEDM/2rbaIUph_Rk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.21.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><b>formula carrier&nbsp;</b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">This simple carrier is so great for formula babies! You have the exact amount of formula for a bottle in each section ready to go at a moments notice. No fumbling trying to get the correct amount of powder without spilling when you have a screaming baby. You can find different brands of these at many different stores by the baby food.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOO8EW9i0UI/VW4DEUba4SI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/aiSkH3ZDLaU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.20.32%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOO8EW9i0UI/VW4DEUba4SI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/aiSkH3ZDLaU/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.20.32%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><b>Breast Pump&nbsp;</b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">This is for moms who choose to breast feed. This isn't my exact pump, I have a much older version of it. But whatever pump you choose, you definitely need one! If there's ever a time when the baby doesn't eat enough this saves you from feeling sore! Plus, in the first month you can really get a good amount of milk storage so if you go back to work or ever need to have a night out, the baby sitter is all set with bottles. In the first month I probably used my pump 2-3 times a day. As my milk starts to level out, I use it more like once a day but it is so nice to have. And now most insurance companies reimburse you for one so they are easier to get.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7bJCCLg9zBY/VW4DD1KVoMI/AAAAAAAAEDI/GyqHWyik88s/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.19.53%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7bJCCLg9zBY/VW4DD1KVoMI/AAAAAAAAEDI/GyqHWyik88s/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.19.53%2BPM.png" width="592" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><b>Coconut oil&nbsp;</b></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">This may seem strange to some, but I use coconut oil a lot the first little while with my newborns. Instead of using nipple cream, I have a tiny jar that I fill with coconut oil that I put on myself after feeding the baby. It heals me right up and I don't have to worry about the baby getting sick from it. It's great for newborn skin too. There were a couple places where Colton had some chapped skin and this cleared it right up. Even as Weston got big I used this. When Weston started on formula, he would get really constipated so I would put a tablespoon of melted coconut oil in his formula once a day or once every other day and it worked like a charm!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNLFo6KOjcw/VW4DGZheViI/AAAAAAAAEDk/aDKjZceH7UE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.23.06%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNLFo6KOjcw/VW4DGZheViI/AAAAAAAAEDk/aDKjZceH7UE/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-02%2Bat%2B1.23.06%2BPM.png" width="377" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Hopefully this gives everyone some good ideas! Happy mothering!&nbsp;</span></div><br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">*all these opinions are from my own experience from what worked with my babies. I was not paid for any of these opinions*</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-10730743019507535162015-05-22T13:17:00.003-07:002015-05-22T13:17:55.858-07:00Surviving the First Few Weeks of Two Babies Under Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the time I had my first baby, I knew I was going to have a second boy. Whenever I thought about having more kids, the name Colton would pop into my head. What I didn't know was how fast he was going to come!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8grbv9pScJk/VV9y3pU2JHI/AAAAAAAAD8E/PMBMPQWBnYY/s1600/IMG_2691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8grbv9pScJk/VV9y3pU2JHI/AAAAAAAAD8E/PMBMPQWBnYY/s640/IMG_2691.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steven and I have always planned on having our kids fairly close in age, but having them exactly 18 months apart was not exactly what we had in mind. We were so excited when we found out we were pregnant again and even more excited when we found out it would be another boy! Not only would Weston have a little buddy, but we had all the clothes already and my best friend was also having a baby boy! It just seemed perfect.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOob_xcAdhI/VV9y3w9uF3I/AAAAAAAAD8M/t5GMR5nuEwg/s1600/IMG_2713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOob_xcAdhI/VV9y3w9uF3I/AAAAAAAAD8M/t5GMR5nuEwg/s640/IMG_2713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When Colton decided he was ready to make an entrance, boy, he came fast! Props to all you mommas out there who go natural because I dilated almost all the way to an 8 without anything and I definitely don't think I could go all the way! He came so fast in fact, that the nurses told me next time I have a baby I have to go to the hospital on my first contraction, otherwise I will likely have a car baby. No thank you! He came so fast, and that pace kept up.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAg1JKluJ-I/VV9y4hfvD1I/AAAAAAAAD8U/ygQOTeIGdOk/s1600/IMG_2725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAg1JKluJ-I/VV9y4hfvD1I/AAAAAAAAD8U/ygQOTeIGdOk/s640/IMG_2725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pS4Wl5dCE1A/VV9y5i_tPRI/AAAAAAAAD80/eZlprLeke7E/s1600/IMG_2829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pS4Wl5dCE1A/VV9y5i_tPRI/AAAAAAAAD80/eZlprLeke7E/s400/IMG_2829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having two babies under two can be very intimidating. Especially when your 18 month old is as active as mine! From the day that Weston was born he has been a mover and a shaker. I was so nervous about the sleeping situation since Weston still gets up in the night (and trust me, I have tried every method on this planet to try to get him to sleep).&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luckily for us, we haven't had the sibling jealousy as bad as it can be. From the minute Weston met Colton, he just loved him.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mukJmZERi10/VV9y6Yir0II/AAAAAAAAD9A/hxNxDRKt6rA/s1600/IMG_2885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mukJmZERi10/VV9y6Yir0II/AAAAAAAAD9A/hxNxDRKt6rA/s640/IMG_2885.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had bought Weston toys for when he came to the hospital, and when he met Colton, he immediately tried to share his toys with him.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That was probably one of my favorite moments of all time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmUzQlVXX8I/VV9y_NqEbjI/AAAAAAAAD-c/WEqWznM4Qp4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-03%2Bat%2B2.17.49%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmUzQlVXX8I/VV9y_NqEbjI/AAAAAAAAD-c/WEqWznM4Qp4/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-03%2Bat%2B2.17.49%2BPM.jpg" width="291" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6D0-32k0hlo/VV9y-rxEqjI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/xxs5woSqzZE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-03%2Bat%2B2.13.46%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6D0-32k0hlo/VV9y-rxEqjI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/xxs5woSqzZE/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-03%2Bat%2B2.13.46%2BPM.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZD-VwRHjrs/VV9y-wged5I/AAAAAAAAD-0/dxhGkOP5Nkk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-03%2Bat%2B2.15.52%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZD-VwRHjrs/VV9y-wged5I/AAAAAAAAD-0/dxhGkOP5Nkk/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-05-03%2Bat%2B2.15.52%2BPM.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stayed one night in the hospital and Steven had two days off of work. Then it was back to real life. Steven had work and huge final projects, and I had two babies under two.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqz0k560mGk/VV9y2SkzTNI/AAAAAAAAD74/b74WoA_KPPE/s1600/2015-51075-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqz0k560mGk/VV9y2SkzTNI/AAAAAAAAD74/b74WoA_KPPE/s640/2015-51075-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have only had 5 weeks of experience with this, but this is what I have learned so far.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-zduPb81YM/VV9y8GrjZPI/AAAAAAAAD9k/YPlQMJtaetk/s1600/IMG_3004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-zduPb81YM/VV9y8GrjZPI/AAAAAAAAD9k/YPlQMJtaetk/s400/IMG_3004.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1. Don't make any promises.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This starts before the baby is even born. One thing I did with my first baby that was a huge mistake was that Steven and I promised all sorts of things to all sorts of people. We told people that we would go to their house for dinner, or that we would still be able to go out with them on a Friday night. Learn from my mistake! Don't tell people what you will be doing after you have the baby. Babies are a mystery. You never know what kind of temperament your baby is going to have, not even to mention if the birth will have any complications. When people ask you to make plans for after the baby is born, tell them to call you again when the baby is a week old. At that point you will know whether you have a happy baby who is a great sleeper or if you have a less than content baby who keeps you pretty sleep deprived. It gets to be an even bigger deal with two! I had no idea what Colton would be like or how Weston would be acting after I brought the baby home. It was much easier this time not coming home from the hospital already having plans to be different places.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zn8X0zAGw4/VV9y8zhJqqI/AAAAAAAAD9w/wzqZAoU8Gcc/s1600/IMG_3344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zn8X0zAGw4/VV9y8zhJqqI/AAAAAAAAD9w/wzqZAoU8Gcc/s640/IMG_3344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. Organize and Prioritize</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a big one people! My day goes much easier when I have it organized. Once we get both boys asleep at night (which is quite the mountain to climb), I grab clothes out for the next day for both the boys and myself. I make sure the carseat and diaper bag are packed and by the door ready to go. If we have any special plans for the next day, I make sure those things are ready to go. That way, the next day we can just get dressed and relax until it's time to leave and everything is already there. I'm not running around the house looking for things at the last second or I'm not getting upset when there's a tantrum being thrown right when I'm supposed to be getting ready. It takes a LONG time to get out of the house. Good bye to the days of when I could grab my purse and keys and run out the door. You have to have enough diapers, a change of clothes, blankets, bottles, special toys.... The list goes on and on. If you are trying to grab everything at the last moment, you will never be on time again.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You also have to know what is important in the moment and what isn't. Having priorities is important because most likely, you won't have time to get everything done. I pick one household chore to do once a day and just focus on that. Two different days a week are laundry days, one day a week is cleaning the bathroom, one day is for the kitchen... You get the point.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2acB35Jxkk/VV9y9ywZY9I/AAAAAAAAD-I/EN58KgaHlmY/s1600/IMG_3398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2acB35Jxkk/VV9y9ywZY9I/AAAAAAAAD-I/EN58KgaHlmY/s320/IMG_3398.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjGDFDZJS8U/VV9y8aKWj-I/AAAAAAAAD9o/Q-1Pz0uq0SM/s1600/IMG_3055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjGDFDZJS8U/VV9y8aKWj-I/AAAAAAAAD9o/Q-1Pz0uq0SM/s320/IMG_3055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3. Have Someone To Talk To</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luckily for me, I have quite a few friends that have babies. A couple of them have babies 12 months apart! And I think that 18 months apart can be tricky! There are several things that unless you have had a baby, it's just hard to understand. Take for instance going to the bathroom after you've had your little one! As much as my husband would be kind enough to listen to me complain about it, he just wouldn't understand like my best friend would. There are moments that are hard and you just need someone to listen to you. There are times when tantrums are going to drive you up the wall and you need someone that you can cry to when you are just done. What's even better than have someONE to talk to, is have PEOPLE to talk to. Different moms and dads experience different things so it's nice to have a group of people that you can go to for advice or just a shoulder to cry on.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--762p7kTXOw/VV9y6xc20rI/AAAAAAAAD9I/MfvbaZsrFIg/s1600/IMG_2889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--762p7kTXOw/VV9y6xc20rI/AAAAAAAAD9I/MfvbaZsrFIg/s400/IMG_2889.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>{Weston likes to share his food with his brother}</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4. Use Your Resources</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We live in a world of technology. Use it to your advantage! I don't have time to scrapbook all the cute moments now. So instead, I open a new note on my phone, date it and write down what I would write in my scrapbook. When I have a few moments, I print off all these notes and file them by month. That way I don't feel bad about not having all my memories written down and I can even do it while I'm breastfeeding!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Obviously, I also am a big fan of blogs. I love mommy blogs! They remind me that the hour long tantrum isn't just from my 18 month old. The internet can be a great thing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first time we tried to get some dinner after having the baby, Weston was crazy (which was nothing new). Steven was smart and had a movie downloaded on his phone and gave it to Weston to watch while we were there. I'm sure a lot of you are thinking that we shouldn't just resort to movies to get our child under control... But if that's what gets us to have our first dinner out and it entertains him while we spend 20 minutes eating our Cafe Rio... GREAT! Use what you got.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bd4tyzC6sY/VV9y77f6x-I/AAAAAAAAD9g/5sLGIM3GFDQ/s1600/IMG_2987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bd4tyzC6sY/VV9y77f6x-I/AAAAAAAAD9g/5sLGIM3GFDQ/s640/IMG_2987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sU5JCIUqdzY/VV9y7tG7ITI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/eq7FgA8qErw/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sU5JCIUqdzY/VV9y7tG7ITI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/eq7FgA8qErw/s400/IMG_2948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5. Plan short outings to gain confidence.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When Colton was about 2 weeks old, I braved grocery shopping. With the two boys. By myself. I did have people that would either be willing to come with me, or do it for me, I felt like I needed to do it. I needed to show myself that I could be ok while going out by myself with just the two of them. To be honest, I think I only gathered milk and chips and fruit snacks, but it showed me that it was going to be ok.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plan hour long outings like going to the duck pond, going on a walk, going to get a treat. If it's much longer than an hour, it takes much more planning. But an hour is possible! It is long enough where you feel like you get out of the house, but not so long to the point where you are going to have big break downs. I also try to keep it close to my house so even if it ends up a nightmare, I throw everything and everyone in the car and just go home. Planning little things every week has given us the chance to be out in the world so we don't feel cooped up and we get some fresh air.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIyciAVSIu8/VV9y-Pw5oCI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/DxJ09A_sojQ/s1600/IMG_3405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIyciAVSIu8/VV9y-Pw5oCI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/DxJ09A_sojQ/s640/IMG_3405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>6. Take lot of pictures!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All parents know this feeling... They grow FAST. I remember when I was little, my parents would always say, "You are getting big too fast!" I would think, "No I'm not. I've been 7 years old forever!" But now that I'm a parent, I completely understand! Even from week 1 to week 4, Colton has gotten so big! And when I left for the hospital, Weston was a baby, and after I came home he seemed like a big boy! You will never regret having too many pictures.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aX1DOP69suw/VV9y9SPBVSI/AAAAAAAAD98/cKjptwLHkUg/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aX1DOP69suw/VV9y9SPBVSI/AAAAAAAAD98/cKjptwLHkUg/s640/IMG_3064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>7. Know when to throw in the white flag.</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are some moments that you are just going to need help. The week that we brought Colton home, Steven had huge final projects. He was gone from 6 in the morning to after 10 at night. There were a few times that I just would have gone insane if it wasn't for our families and friends. We are lucky to have two sets of parents, four sisters, and lots of best friends and neighbors that will come to our rescue at any minute. We definitely used them all! Don't be afraid to ask people to come and help. And most likely they would love to come play with the babies anyway. :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfPY4BrfMJ0/VV9y28hOznI/AAAAAAAAD78/PaIaHfh9Nqo/s1600/IMG_2259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfPY4BrfMJ0/VV9y28hOznI/AAAAAAAAD78/PaIaHfh9Nqo/s400/IMG_2259.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>8. Give yourself a break!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes you are just not going to win and there are certain battles that just aren't worth fighting. Weston's sleeping thing is worth fighting to us, because we need to sleep too! But his picky eating... not always worth the battle. The first week we had Colton, there were two nights in a row that Weston threw absolute fits because he wanted to have popcorn for dinner. So guess what... he had popcorn! Yep, that's right. No vegetables, no fruit. &nbsp;Just plain home-popped pop corn. I was tired and I was trying to breastfeed my 3 day old and there were worst things than Weston eating popcorn for dinner.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are going to be times when the dishes don't get done or the laundry sits in the basket for an extra day. Toys are going to be scattered. You just have to do as much as you can, and everything else can wait. Just do what you can momma! Sometimes you have to take it a day at a time, and sometimes an hour at a time.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icW6ju62jgA/VV9y6NYOyKI/AAAAAAAAD88/22qb5RRLf4w/s1600/IMG_2842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icW6ju62jgA/VV9y6NYOyKI/AAAAAAAAD88/22qb5RRLf4w/s640/IMG_2842.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And after all the chaos is over, the boys will be cuddling or laughing or trying to share. And you realize that life is really great.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbA2YcuPwJQ/VV9y9XE_API/AAAAAAAAD-E/-ePv--QLZXw/s1600/IMG_3384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbA2YcuPwJQ/VV9y9XE_API/AAAAAAAAD-E/-ePv--QLZXw/s640/IMG_3384.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-37838652296133965012015-01-22T13:16:00.005-08:002015-01-22T13:16:57.292-08:00Colton's Toy Story Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msctVXDz5qQ/VL1LXGgdnhI/AAAAAAAADWg/7_bA9mgWseI/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msctVXDz5qQ/VL1LXGgdnhI/AAAAAAAADWg/7_bA9mgWseI/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm so excited to share this with you! So as I blogged about before, we are having another little baby boy in April. We could not be more excited! Since the boys are going to share a room, I'm making the room into a Toy Story theme. I thought that Woody and Buzz Lightyear just might fit them perfectly. :)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In order to make a baby blanket that had a Toy Story theme, I decided to do a strip quilt. My aunt Sue showed me this method and it could not be easier or faster!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">First things first.. Get the back of the quilt ready. I did just a yard of flannel and kind of cut it off until it was about the size that I wanted. I kept it pretty simple! Then get your batting down on top of it. At the same time as cutting the back, I cut my strips. I had bought about 1/2 a yard of each fabric and I had some scraps from previous projects. You can make them simple strips, or you can do fun things with them, like I did a strip of pinwheels.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpBIb0E50ns/VL1oiwXBnzI/AAAAAAAADW0/bZdGo6frRdY/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpBIb0E50ns/VL1oiwXBnzI/AAAAAAAADW0/bZdGo6frRdY/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">When you start sewing, you are going to sew the middle piece first. I pinned it down so that I knew that it was even and straight. My middle one was the blue polka dots. You just sew it down to the batting and backing with the raw edges showing. It will get covered up so it doesn't matter. Another great thing about this quilt is it's a quilt as you go blanket which cuts down on a lot of time!</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">After you get the middle piece in, you can start adding pieces on each side. When adding a strip, you pin the raw seams together with the right sides together (picture below).&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SepYVTae-OA/VL1oisH6xPI/AAAAAAAADW4/7I9ZuCQzM0g/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SepYVTae-OA/VL1oisH6xPI/AAAAAAAADW4/7I9ZuCQzM0g/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Then just sew your straight line and pull it back! Add your next piece and keep going until you have them all sewn down. On the final strips, I sewed down the raw edges again. Then I just had to do the edging and it was done!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCZj_CLNCl4/VL1oijHX-gI/AAAAAAAADWw/vHxJ_4VE3Xs/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCZj_CLNCl4/VL1oijHX-gI/AAAAAAAADWw/vHxJ_4VE3Xs/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMsKf4FmWVo/VL1LULl2pyI/AAAAAAAADVs/Ui9FtDXtybE/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMsKf4FmWVo/VL1LULl2pyI/AAAAAAAADVs/Ui9FtDXtybE/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0v7RxKBF1G4/VL1LUM1THSI/AAAAAAAADVo/7wWT3_HzHjA/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0v7RxKBF1G4/VL1LUM1THSI/AAAAAAAADVo/7wWT3_HzHjA/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">I wanted to add a bit of Toy Story flair, so I appliquéd a cowboy boot on the bottom and added his name, just like Woody has Andy's name on his shoe.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--m0H_iVc-pM/VL1LWJVrsyI/AAAAAAAADWM/OaUs4ksydT4/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--m0H_iVc-pM/VL1LWJVrsyI/AAAAAAAADWM/OaUs4ksydT4/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwn4cDyKeHU/VL1LWh07VLI/AAAAAAAADWQ/xqAVQj7lL0g/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwn4cDyKeHU/VL1LWh07VLI/AAAAAAAADWQ/xqAVQj7lL0g/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Now the only things left to do for the nursery are making the paintings. Wish me luck! Only 12 weeks to go!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMK1zMY2agg/VL1LVRatnTI/AAAAAAAADWA/3TnsFuLJjew/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMK1zMY2agg/VL1LVRatnTI/AAAAAAAADWA/3TnsFuLJjew/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-40878034750170324682015-01-04T14:30:00.000-08:002015-01-04T14:30:17.214-08:00Christmas Time Wrap-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTpxe5HO7sU/VKm5zUQpukI/AAAAAAAADR0/xsn-5693x8c/s1600/3002797_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTpxe5HO7sU/VKm5zUQpukI/AAAAAAAADR0/xsn-5693x8c/s1600/3002797_32.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Holidays everyone! Did you forget that I existed? I can't believe how fast the last several months have gone. Pretty much from October 1 until the New Year, my life is just packed full of birthdays and parties. I always say that October 1 marks the greatest time of the year, but it does take more of my attention away from things like blogging! :) Just a little update on us.. Steven turned the big 2-5 and is now at the U of U and little Westy turned a whole year old! He's running around like crazy making all sorts of animal noises. We also found out that we are having another little boy! April 18 is the due date for Mr. Colton and we are so excited to have a little brother!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now onto crafting! I had to share my favorite present that I made this holiday season. I made a family tree pillow cover for my parents...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPcMO3j8b6o/VKm55Y7FmoI/AAAAAAAADSc/8hGctCAhuIY/s1600/IMG_2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPcMO3j8b6o/VKm55Y7FmoI/AAAAAAAADSc/8hGctCAhuIY/s1600/IMG_2547.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so much fun to make and not too hard at all. I bought a blank pillow from Ikea and enough cotton fabric to cover it. I had looked up different drawings of family trees on Pinterest and came up with this drawing that I just sketched onto the white fabric with pencil. Pencil is great to use because it just rubs right off. Once I had my sketch on, I just embroidered away.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn13Xt5UjNc/VKm58M4LXUI/AAAAAAAADSk/yoUQGdFaLbE/s1600/IMG_2548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn13Xt5UjNc/VKm58M4LXUI/AAAAAAAADSk/yoUQGdFaLbE/s1600/IMG_2548.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every family has roots and I'm particularly fond of ours. :) The four roots are my four different grandparents. In the middle of the tree are my parent's initials.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BURLNGjnSZk/VKm5_AozynI/AAAAAAAADS8/B6k_7M1zxi0/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BURLNGjnSZk/VKm5_AozynI/AAAAAAAADS8/B6k_7M1zxi0/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are four branches, one for each of their daughters. Each of the leaves will contain the initials of the different grand babies that come along. My favorite part about this pillow case is that I made it so I can always go back and add initials for the new grand babies or the names of the new husbands.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vJlcjFEJpE/VKm6DwYAaII/AAAAAAAADTE/z7GCPGohlrc/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vJlcjFEJpE/VKm6DwYAaII/AAAAAAAADTE/z7GCPGohlrc/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the back. I just did snap buttons but I covered them up with cuter buttons. :) This way I can always get to the back of the family tree in order to add the names.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akjbr-i_JHM/VKm6XeSlQpI/AAAAAAAADTc/qU1oHVB1DM0/s1600/IMG_1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akjbr-i_JHM/VKm6XeSlQpI/AAAAAAAADTc/qU1oHVB1DM0/s1600/IMG_1967.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It turned out super cute and my parents love it! I'm convinced that homemade gifts are the best type of gifts. :)&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJNIWoRUuz4/VKm59O-I-mI/AAAAAAAADSw/9lkUlftY7PQ/s1600/IMG_2550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJNIWoRUuz4/VKm59O-I-mI/AAAAAAAADSw/9lkUlftY7PQ/s1600/IMG_2550.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steven took off some time from work so we had a blast over the last couple weeks! We took family pictures (which Weston seriously LOVES to do).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OAIRamwTfw/VKm5ybVeAGI/AAAAAAAADRk/T8AYcr24uFg/s1600/3002797_172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OAIRamwTfw/VKm5ybVeAGI/AAAAAAAADRk/T8AYcr24uFg/s1600/3002797_172.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course, Santa stopped by our house! I told Weston that he almost didn't make it to the nice list... It was a close call. ;) He loved the truck and puppy that Santa brought him!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEeq8mQDyUI/VKm51uK7eFI/AAAAAAAADSI/vEH45EfmCi8/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEeq8mQDyUI/VKm51uK7eFI/AAAAAAAADSI/vEH45EfmCi8/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Steven and I got lots and lots and lots of candy!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Hi, I'm Cortney, and I'm a candy-holic}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At least I can admit it right?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRQKHEjZaaU/VKm51E-fFsI/AAAAAAAADR8/stVmvzMmJvw/s1600/IMG_1749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRQKHEjZaaU/VKm51E-fFsI/AAAAAAAADR8/stVmvzMmJvw/s1600/IMG_1749.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every year we get ornaments that reflect something big that has happened in the past year.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year Steven and I got an ornament that was 5 golden rings since we celebrated our 5th anniversary. And Weston got a little silver shoe since he started walking (and running!) this year. We have had this tradition since we got married and I seriously love it.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxzKyoIRhrA/VKm6EkIvASI/AAAAAAAADTM/euIl9G70gKk/s1600/IMG_2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxzKyoIRhrA/VKm6EkIvASI/AAAAAAAADTM/euIl9G70gKk/s1600/IMG_2563.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjWWuy2e6UI/VKm6E-fecAI/AAAAAAAADTQ/vlE8EzlZIE4/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjWWuy2e6UI/VKm6E-fecAI/AAAAAAAADTQ/vlE8EzlZIE4/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What are some of your holiday traditions?&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1bL7vA0IrY/VKm51lSqRmI/AAAAAAAADSA/kXIw6sCB3sM/s1600/IMG_1755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1bL7vA0IrY/VKm51lSqRmI/AAAAAAAADSA/kXIw6sCB3sM/s1600/IMG_1755.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hope everyone is having a fun wintery break!!</div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-50404709292468620632014-10-28T09:44:00.002-07:002014-10-28T09:44:54.275-07:00Simple Quiet Book<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e6eFQHSqtkU/VE63J9JR_NI/AAAAAAAADNI/-OIdCTO27fo/s1600/IMG_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e6eFQHSqtkU/VE63J9JR_NI/AAAAAAAADNI/-OIdCTO27fo/s1600/IMG_2333.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been waiting and waiting to put this on the blog! I actually started these before Weston was born, but I wanted to give one to my friend having a baby and I wanted to keep them a surprise! These are the easiest quiet books you will ever do, and you hardly need any supplies.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>You need:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-One white felt rectangle for every page you want to do. You can get pre-cut squares at Hobby Lobby or other craft stores. If you are looking to save money, you can get a yard or two of white felt and cut your own rectangles. The great part about that is that you can make them as big or as small as you want.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Fabric for the actual colorful pages. I chose to do mine all flannel animal print. When I started this book, I bought 12 different patterns and I bought 1/4 of a yard each. Out of the 1/4 yard, I was able to make enough pages for 4 different books! I only bought it if it was on sale, so each book was such a great price.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Fabric puncher in order to make the holes for the "binding", or you could just cut little slits with scissors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Brads to keep the holes in the binding from becoming bigger.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Three key rings to keep it all together.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-abOQ_GiOU_g/VE63H_8sCrI/AAAAAAAADM0/PYVEjPhjK0M/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-abOQ_GiOU_g/VE63H_8sCrI/AAAAAAAADM0/PYVEjPhjK0M/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Weston is crazy about this book! He loves animals, so it keeps him occupied for a long time.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozNleHLjJ4I/VE63HnS9L-I/AAAAAAAADMw/uHmuoh3eT3Y/s1600/IMG_2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozNleHLjJ4I/VE63HnS9L-I/AAAAAAAADMw/uHmuoh3eT3Y/s1600/IMG_2332.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's so fun to find all sorts of cute fabric to do this with! You could do it with just different colors, or fabrics with kids on them, things from around the house, camping... The ideas are endless!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yuD3pnFnUU/VE63LfKEtWI/AAAAAAAADNU/nLVz5korqlI/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yuD3pnFnUU/VE63LfKEtWI/AAAAAAAADNU/nLVz5korqlI/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once I got all my fabrics together, I zig-zag stitched around the edges for each page. You could iron the sides under and straight stitch around them, but I thought that seemed like more work. This was really fast and easy!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After all the fabric was sewn onto the felt, I straight stitch two pages wrong side together in order to make it into a book.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfb0Z0XChd4/VE63NTpOncI/AAAAAAAADNo/QHsafYTn72A/s1600/IMG_2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfb0Z0XChd4/VE63NTpOncI/AAAAAAAADNo/QHsafYTn72A/s1600/IMG_2337.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You add the brads and key rings and boom! Easiest (and cutest) quiet book done!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_MSPQEshNg/VE63N7C9XiI/AAAAAAAADNs/dUCRkMNbcbA/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_MSPQEshNg/VE63N7C9XiI/AAAAAAAADNs/dUCRkMNbcbA/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like I said before, I was able to get 4 quiet books out of the material that I bought. I just finished them all ahead of time so that when a baby is born, I already have a hand-made present for them.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ok9Q4TO7HvQ/VE63LPQ7svI/AAAAAAAADNQ/QxgGtLW7DkI/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ok9Q4TO7HvQ/VE63LPQ7svI/AAAAAAAADNQ/QxgGtLW7DkI/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I gave this book to Weston for his first Christmas last year. I can't believe he's already one year old! Life goes so fast with a little guy around.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBaEvS3kvjg/VE63HwFLPGI/AAAAAAAADM4/-JsrEJWjurM/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBaEvS3kvjg/VE63HwFLPGI/AAAAAAAADM4/-JsrEJWjurM/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-8264796911089272512014-09-04T14:36:00.001-07:002014-09-04T14:37:53.086-07:00I Love My Dream Board!I'm a dreamer, always have been and always will be. But I'm also a planner. So this was the perfect craft for me... I'm just calling it a dream board because honestly, a dream organizer board just sounds lame! :) I had a cork board laying around not being used, so I figured I might as well utilize it. &nbsp;You could also use a poster board or even just construction paper. The great thing about making a dream board is that it can have anything you want on it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j90tYvzZTWI/VAjaWo5Vi-I/AAAAAAAADII/7SbyrTcbM4o/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j90tYvzZTWI/VAjaWo5Vi-I/AAAAAAAADII/7SbyrTcbM4o/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I started out by looking on all my Pinterest boards to see what were some of my favorite pins. You could also look through magazines and cut pictures out from there. I snagged a picture of my two boys, because let's be honest, they are my favorite. I left some blank spaces for goals and project lists... My husband thinks that I have a list obsession. I may or may not agree with that. :) I also have some pictures from my phone of projects that I want to create.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOH2GDUv9-k/VAjaXuSgXjI/AAAAAAAADIU/mJ_bgrfMmKg/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOH2GDUv9-k/VAjaXuSgXjI/AAAAAAAADIU/mJ_bgrfMmKg/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OslW1qYdWwg/VAjaWnbNodI/AAAAAAAADIQ/cPmJr09VpWI/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OslW1qYdWwg/VAjaWnbNodI/AAAAAAAADIQ/cPmJr09VpWI/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />At the very top of the board, there is one of our new goals... Choose to be happy! We decided recently that we need to be more aware of the people and things around us. Suddenly, when you have a baby, there's a whole new perspective on life! We made a goal to only be around people that are uplifting and make us feel good. These boards are great because they can give you a daily reminder of what you are working on and why. It was so much fun to make!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqEzvHc7WDY/VAjaWTwtfyI/AAAAAAAADIE/pHkRRP3dSvU/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqEzvHc7WDY/VAjaWTwtfyI/AAAAAAAADIE/pHkRRP3dSvU/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What's on your dream board?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Picture credit from Pinterest<br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/carliphotography/7786220002/sizes/o/in/photostream/">"the earth has music"</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielahenriquez/8205521267/in/photostream">painting of bird</a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/shoshgoodman/works/10058019">mickey drawing</a><br /><a href="http://widehdwalls.com/45472-friskies-kittens/">crazy cat lady</a><br /><a href="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1461270_10151751950146619_1670290097_n.jpg">map idea</a><br /><a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/2014/05/retro-camper-embroidery-hoop-art/">get out of town</a><br /><a href="http://littleladyloves.tumblr.com/image/45662772445">eiffel tower</a><br /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/111108832/youre-my-lobster-card?utm_source=Pinterest&amp;utm_medium=PageTools&amp;utm_campaign=Share">you're my lobster</a><br /><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/5a/51/24/5a5124887de2577b2c6786ad725cd49d.jpg">you aren't a tree</a><br /><a href="http://theberry.com/2013/06/20/morning-coffee-39-photos-448/mc-random-6-427/">love is spoken here</a><br /><a href="http://taylorjoelle.com/">temple</a><br /><a href="http://www.heartofthehorseranch.com/Heart_of_the_Horse_Therapy_Ranch/About_Us.html">country scene</a><br /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156414780/life-is-better-in-the-country">life is better</a><br /><a href="http://www.myowlbarn.com/2012/02/free-printables-for-valentines-day.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+MyOwlBarn+(My+Owl+Barn)">owls</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-3886469364667937852014-08-20T13:29:00.001-07:002014-08-20T13:29:09.824-07:00Hedge Hogs make the cutest pattern! I have seen a few square baby vintage blankets floating around and they always look so cute! I have had some cute fabric laying around waiting for me to do something extra cute with it. Have you seen the Moda fabric "Blue Bird Park"? I just love it! I have had it for a few months now, but I've been waiting to do something extra special with it. Vintage style baby blanket it was. :)<br /><br />&nbsp;I had a 5x5 inch charm pack, and I cut each square into 4 squares. Then I just laid them out on the white flannel. I pinned them, which ended up being the HARDEST way to do it. (That is usually my style.) After, I found out that most people use fabric glue to get the squares to stay. My lines would have been more even if I did that, but I wasn't too worried about it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F3tCgNzKjk/U_UCznMLEEI/AAAAAAAAC_o/8d84sVYyD-w/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F3tCgNzKjk/U_UCznMLEEI/AAAAAAAAC_o/8d84sVYyD-w/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seriously... those hedge hogs.. I love them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the front, padding, and back already together. So when I sewed the squares on, it was also doing my quilting for me. It was the fastest way to do a blanket!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTgr09s_9iw/U_UC2_9vPyI/AAAAAAAADAQ/l_UO7UpWS5I/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTgr09s_9iw/U_UC2_9vPyI/AAAAAAAADAQ/l_UO7UpWS5I/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little owl I just cut out and appliquéd right on. He was really easy to make!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a blanket stitch around some of his edges, but some of them (like the beak and feet) I left a raw edge for texture.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW8SWc5vILI/U_UCzdKO3hI/AAAAAAAAC_k/50X5Nh1D7To/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW8SWc5vILI/U_UCzdKO3hI/AAAAAAAAC_k/50X5Nh1D7To/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The binding is my absolute favorite part! Can you guess why?? Ha ha. On the front of the blanket, it's just coral, and on the back is the line of hedge hogs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can also see my quilting lines. You can see every mistake when you do it this way.. If it wasn't a baby blanket, I don't think that my OCD mind could take it. But luckily, it's supposed to just be cuddly.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkVV93oQ49w/U_UC1ahm5BI/AAAAAAAAC_8/R8fG6-fbrBw/s1600/IMG_0813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkVV93oQ49w/U_UC1ahm5BI/AAAAAAAAC_8/R8fG6-fbrBw/s1600/IMG_0813.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QWmb9X2ZnQ/U_UC0mGo96I/AAAAAAAAC_4/dhoxhhJoRsc/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QWmb9X2ZnQ/U_UC0mGo96I/AAAAAAAAC_4/dhoxhhJoRsc/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone I know is having baby boys. So this quilt does not have a home yet. But I was just aching to use this pretty fabric!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AjmZx14MEo/U_UC19vrYqI/AAAAAAAADAE/WgLWTqr8tFU/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AjmZx14MEo/U_UC19vrYqI/AAAAAAAADAE/WgLWTqr8tFU/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What have you been sewing lately?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And just because I have the sweetest little buddy... Here is a picture. :)&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eagODQsj_nE/U_UCyp0BSDI/AAAAAAAAC_g/fTK1tmlaG20/s1600/IMG_0805.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eagODQsj_nE/U_UCyp0BSDI/AAAAAAAAC_g/fTK1tmlaG20/s1600/IMG_0805.PNG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added some more blogs to the <a href="http://craftingwithheart.blogspot.com/p/blogs-i-love.html">Blogs I Love</a> page! Check them out!</div><br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-31701335334097067122014-07-30T08:04:00.000-07:002014-07-30T20:33:22.575-07:00Color a Quilt!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16DdDhv8kwU/U9e-WEEOWyI/AAAAAAAAC9E/aALhK8U4Uw0/s1600/IMG_1580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16DdDhv8kwU/U9e-WEEOWyI/AAAAAAAAC9E/aALhK8U4Uw0/s1600/IMG_1580.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This blog post is pretty much a day late and a dollar short, but my sewing friends have been dying to see this, so I thought I would post about it anyway. This is the giant quilt I made for my sister and new brother-in-law! I can't even tell you how much fun it was to make.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The squares around the middle are pictures that were drawn about Torri and Taylor together. The squares towards the top of the quilt are pictures from Taylor's childhood, and the bottom ones are pictures from Torri's childhood. It was so fun to talk to my family and decide what are some of our favorite memories of Torri!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a tutorial on how to do the lettering found in the center. My Aunt Sue taught me and as you have read before, she's a genius! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I picked the saying, "Loves changes everything" because Torri has said that many times about Taylor. I printed off the saying just on printer paper, then I used a light box to pencil it onto my fabric. Make sure you know where your center is so that you can get your saying lined up the right way.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EOnO-qQzcg/U9e-Zc35PnI/AAAAAAAAC9k/mpSp1YVYzzA/s1600/IMG_9973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EOnO-qQzcg/U9e-Zc35PnI/AAAAAAAAC9k/mpSp1YVYzzA/s1600/IMG_9973.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's how it looked once it was all penciled on.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoTcW3seIR4/U9e-ZdIKReI/AAAAAAAAC9c/mwR9WGeWnlA/s1600/IMG_9977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoTcW3seIR4/U9e-ZdIKReI/AAAAAAAAC9c/mwR9WGeWnlA/s1600/IMG_9977.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the back, I safety-pinned some batting so that the string would have something to hold onto.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x--fIIpgqP8/U9e-ZTTo4SI/AAAAAAAAC9g/kxNrChRE0AU/s1600/IMG_9978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x--fIIpgqP8/U9e-ZTTo4SI/AAAAAAAAC9g/kxNrChRE0AU/s1600/IMG_9978.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, I just hand stitched with black thread all the way around the letters, just following my pencil line. This part took me the longest, but I'm not super fast at it yet. Sue always machine stitches hers, but her machine has a slow setting so it makes it much easier. My machine has just one setting, and it made it pretty hard. So hand stitching it was!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDzDltzJ0Y8/U9m4cgynV1I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/FxMUyfVrjSI/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDzDltzJ0Y8/U9m4cgynV1I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/FxMUyfVrjSI/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After you are done hand-stitching, you just need to grab a black sharpie and fill it in! It's really easy because the sharpie pretty much stays within your stitch lines.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq0ifZdxsaE/U9e-XbrS9hI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/JYpwQhL65yQ/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq0ifZdxsaE/U9e-XbrS9hI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/JYpwQhL65yQ/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQNbkh7OqX0/U9e-SvOCROI/AAAAAAAAC8s/sdKB3eZ_bMU/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQNbkh7OqX0/U9e-SvOCROI/AAAAAAAAC8s/sdKB3eZ_bMU/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uP4CAMd2gY/U9e-RLj2NMI/AAAAAAAAC8k/105d985rpzc/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uP4CAMd2gY/U9e-RLj2NMI/AAAAAAAAC8k/105d985rpzc/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I asked my family what were some of their favorite memories of Torri. One thing that we all mentioned was when she dressed up as "Beth" from "Dawg the Bounty Hunter" for Halloween! And our endless beanie babies was another fun memory.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmmkbaNeCBI/U9e-W2cl0pI/AAAAAAAAC9I/xsKWjmFhRdY/s1600/IMG_1577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmmkbaNeCBI/U9e-W2cl0pI/AAAAAAAAC9I/xsKWjmFhRdY/s1600/IMG_1577.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvwMNlbBZck/U9e-Spu1dnI/AAAAAAAAC8w/lVrELrlefiM/s1600/IMG_1564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvwMNlbBZck/U9e-Spu1dnI/AAAAAAAAC8w/lVrELrlefiM/s1600/IMG_1564.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Torri was in the room with us when we had Weston, so I traced his hands and put it on a square. Weston is her first nephew, so I thought it was fitting. I thought that this would also be a really cute gift for a grandparent. You could trace all their grandchildren's hands and have each of them draw a picture.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other things that make it more personal are taking actual pictures of them and making it into a quilt drawing. This was from the first time they vacationed together. I just made it a more simple version.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYvfIXsFIRI/U9e-UKenrvI/AAAAAAAAC88/q3bLVnzQQEc/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYvfIXsFIRI/U9e-UKenrvI/AAAAAAAAC88/q3bLVnzQQEc/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you want to do a quilt drawing, follow my instructions found in <a href="http://craftingwithheart.blogspot.com/2014/05/weston-gets-car-mat.html">this</a>&nbsp;post. One thing that I would pass on from what I learned with this quilt is to graph out your quilt before you start to do it. I usually only make smaller blankets, and with those I just wing it. Big quilts must be planned! Sue always uses graph paper to plan her quilts, and it works perfect.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a few pictures from the day because it was just so pretty!!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Photos by the amazing <a href="http://haleyhodgesphotography.com/">Haley Hodges</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qexlJ7p8YJQ/U9m3XugV8nI/AAAAAAAAC-E/DNO_Gf3snq4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-09+at+11.07.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qexlJ7p8YJQ/U9m3XugV8nI/AAAAAAAAC-E/DNO_Gf3snq4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-09+at+11.07.20+AM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bow tie... kills me!! Weston was 7 months old.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHTstMX1cns/U9m3Xfdz54I/AAAAAAAAC-A/x1-U05xN4TI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-09+at+11.07.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHTstMX1cns/U9m3Xfdz54I/AAAAAAAAC-A/x1-U05xN4TI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-09+at+11.07.49+AM.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And just in case you are wondering... Steven was a rockin' minister! I kept telling Torri that her minister was so hot that I was going to have an affair with him.. hehe! :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzfIchRIFBo/U9m3XdNGUEI/AAAAAAAAC98/GlAXfxEIvDE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-09+at+10.42.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzfIchRIFBo/U9m3XdNGUEI/AAAAAAAAC98/GlAXfxEIvDE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-09+at+10.42.20+AM.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy quilting!</div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-60006630084746103692014-06-17T09:53:00.001-07:002014-06-17T10:10:55.003-07:00Oh, what do you do in the summer time when all the world is green? <div style="text-align: center;">This year, my family decided to do a stay-cation instead of a vacation. I really wanted to do something fun with my family, but my husband and I are both really low on fuel. Our little guy still gets up 2-3 times a night and hardly takes naps, plus my husband has to get up at 4:45 for work. So we are TIRED ha ha. My family was awesome and gave up their vacation to spend some time with us. We sat down and made a list of all the fun things you can do around Salt Lake. The list was long! We are always getting out of town to do all sorts of fun things, but there are so many fun things that we never do that are basically in our backyard! So.. if you live in the Salt Lake valley... here are some fun summer ideas for you!</div><br />Fishing<br />There are so many fun places to go fishing. You can get a day fishing license if you don't necessarily want to go all the time. Steven usually fishes up in Midway.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3l6HaaPXioQ/U6BsdfXbYxI/AAAAAAAAC7I/iwqBWEsFe0o/s1600/IMG_1491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3l6HaaPXioQ/U6BsdfXbYxI/AAAAAAAAC7I/iwqBWEsFe0o/s1600/IMG_1491.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.thelivingplanet.com/">Aquarium</a><br />The big aquarium opened this summer and we went last weekend. For a land-locked, desert state it was pretty amazing! Their big river monsters were so cool, and the shark tank was awesome. You definitely won't be disappointed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0DsT_KdVuc/U6BpFPQeHaI/AAAAAAAAC5s/nG6AP0GpM-M/s1600/IMG_0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0DsT_KdVuc/U6BpFPQeHaI/AAAAAAAAC5s/nG6AP0GpM-M/s1600/IMG_0525.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iY3XxuL-MmY/U6BpGONq-sI/AAAAAAAAC54/U8dVdhnnKXY/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iY3XxuL-MmY/U6BpGONq-sI/AAAAAAAAC54/U8dVdhnnKXY/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.nps.gov/tica/index.htm">Timpanogas Caves/hiking</a><br />My family had never been to the Timp Caves before. They were amazing! I had no idea we had something like that right in our backyard. Our guide gave us all sorts of interesting historical facts about the caves and the people that discovered it. We have also hiked Mount Timp before which was a lot of fun, but a lot of work. So if you go do that, be prepared with lots of water!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2ZD_jank_0/U6BpFTxNqjI/AAAAAAAAC5w/pRAqtwFQeLc/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2ZD_jank_0/U6BpFTxNqjI/AAAAAAAAC5w/pRAqtwFQeLc/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TobzvD06kcE/U6BpFyR5Q1I/AAAAAAAAC50/w2t_FAz06zI/s1600/IMG_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TobzvD06kcE/U6BpFyR5Q1I/AAAAAAAAC50/w2t_FAz06zI/s1600/IMG_0494.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.homesteadresort.com/">Crater swimming</a><br />We did this last Saturday and it was so much fun! It's also at the Homestead Resort. It is natural mineral waters that are literally in a giant crater. The water is about 95 degree and it was so nice to swim in. The warm water put the baby right to sleep. You can also get dive certified there.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyzyGMnNMOM/U6BpICVnNJI/AAAAAAAAC6U/lTWDczpRUVU/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyzyGMnNMOM/U6BpICVnNJI/AAAAAAAAC6U/lTWDczpRUVU/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3p2VJbia6E/U6BvtyCwflI/AAAAAAAAC7c/YVwrz3KiRyg/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3p2VJbia6E/U6BvtyCwflI/AAAAAAAAC7c/YVwrz3KiRyg/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE90Kx3_zSM/U6BpIvrdbdI/AAAAAAAAC6c/fWcLyGJgTF4/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE90Kx3_zSM/U6BpIvrdbdI/AAAAAAAAC6c/fWcLyGJgTF4/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6InqqTYaFI/U6Bvt8UpoKI/AAAAAAAAC7g/pNk7my9O_ow/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6InqqTYaFI/U6Bvt8UpoKI/AAAAAAAAC7g/pNk7my9O_ow/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.homesteadresort.com/">Horseback riding</a><br />This was one of the things that we didn't have time to do. You can do it in Midway, but at the Homestead Resort. It's definitely something we want to do this summer!<br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.hoglezoo.org/">Hogle Zoo</a><br />Have you been to the zoo lately? They have redone almost everything. It is so nice and so much fun! The bird show is incredible. Our favorite part is being able to watch the seals swim. They are so cute!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QijjcTmqUKk/U6BpHJO5UmI/AAAAAAAAC6E/ERrS33I9UMg/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QijjcTmqUKk/U6BpHJO5UmI/AAAAAAAAC6E/ERrS33I9UMg/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.fastkartspeedway.com/">Fast Karts</a><br />We haven't done this one yet, but it's on our summer list.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.parksillysundaymarket.com/">Park Silly</a><br />Every Sunday, Park City Main Street has a farmers market. It is so fun! We went last Sunday with my family and we loved it. They have all sorts of foods and arts. People are so creative! You can find a lot of fun things there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqshNqMJk6M/U6Bxh8jsuDI/AAAAAAAAC74/pdAXIYC1cvY/s1600/IMG_0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqshNqMJk6M/U6Bxh8jsuDI/AAAAAAAAC74/pdAXIYC1cvY/s1600/IMG_0637.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://colormemine.com/">Color Me Mine</a><br />We have been here a couple of times and I want to go back with my sisters. I decided that I want to paint myself a tea set. It is so much fun! Tuesday night is their two-for-one deal, so if you have a bigger family, I would definitely try to do it that night. If you get on their Facebook, it will show you a whole bunch of different deals.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIr5Jfnl3yY/U6Bx53j8YjI/AAAAAAAAC8I/Ci05L0dn-64/s1600/IMG_3545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIr5Jfnl3yY/U6Bx53j8YjI/AAAAAAAAC8I/Ci05L0dn-64/s1600/IMG_3545.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhApyc-Dod8/U6Bx5fv7KTI/AAAAAAAAC8A/a54A0ZO_SJ8/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhApyc-Dod8/U6Bx5fv7KTI/AAAAAAAAC8A/a54A0ZO_SJ8/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />Family game night<br />No money needed for this one! Grab some dinner and hang out with some good ol' board games. Have you ever tried Balderdash? I love that game. Phase 10 is another classic.<br /><br />Swimming<br />You can do this at a lot of different places obviously. A friend's pool, a rec center, Seven Peaks. Summer is the time to swim!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shopcitycreekcenter.com/">City Creek</a><br />I LOVE City Creek! It's such a fun place to shop and eat. Even if you don't want to shop, it's fun to walk around and watch the fountains.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wIyWxP1iaM/U6BscPMOO5I/AAAAAAAAC68/vGw3t7y8X5Q/s1600/IMG_0393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wIyWxP1iaM/U6BscPMOO5I/AAAAAAAAC68/vGw3t7y8X5Q/s1600/IMG_0393.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://hokuliashaveice.com/">Snow cones</a><br />We love to get snow cones! Our favorite place is called Hokulia. They have a bunch of locations, but we go to the one on Fort Union. They have snow cones as big as your face!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzp2WvKCrsI/U6Bsb349hPI/AAAAAAAAC7A/CMmXNSwJ1SM/s1600/IMG_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzp2WvKCrsI/U6Bsb349hPI/AAAAAAAAC7A/CMmXNSwJ1SM/s1600/IMG_0366.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuPZZm6GEMk/U6BvuS2zEwI/AAAAAAAAC7k/7oZdBZffY08/s1600/IMG_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuPZZm6GEMk/U6BvuS2zEwI/AAAAAAAAC7k/7oZdBZffY08/s1600/IMG_0369.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzK_g_Tq_VE/U6BscJLld9I/AAAAAAAAC64/AetRePhwNhA/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzK_g_Tq_VE/U6BscJLld9I/AAAAAAAAC64/AetRePhwNhA/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get outside and PLAY this summer! Do you have fun ideas? Comment below to share!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VmPGAj4VZM/U6BpG6H_8pI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/DGuVwXeiV7I/s1600/IMG_0569-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VmPGAj4VZM/U6BpG6H_8pI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/DGuVwXeiV7I/s1600/IMG_0569-1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gGe0JK0I50/U6B2UmYhgQI/AAAAAAAAC8U/zVTRmr7cil4/s1600/IMG_9608.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gGe0JK0I50/U6B2UmYhgQI/AAAAAAAAC8U/zVTRmr7cil4/s1600/IMG_9608.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-87768357771173244302014-06-15T16:14:00.000-07:002014-06-15T16:14:31.927-07:00Organize Those Photos!<div style="text-align: center;">Everyone knows that I'm a big scrapbooker. I love, love, love to scrapbook. I love that we can look at these books and see the cute pictures and read exactly what we were feeling in those moments. Steven is even nice enough to write in all of the many scrapbooks I make. But with an 8 month old in tow, there just isn't time to keep up on my books. Props to all you moms who do it, because it seems impossible to me! I have done a page or two every now and again. But my little guy likes to take two naps a day... Each consisting of half an hour, if I'm lucky. This means no time to scrapbook.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought about this problem a lot. I didn't want to lose the chance to write down how I was really feeling, but I also knew that I just don't have the time. So I came up with this...&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found an empty bin around the house and added some hanging folders to it. Then in each folder, I would put one envelope that I labeled with the month and the year. That way, small notes and pictures don't fall out of the folder and get lost, but if there's something bigger than the envelope it can be in the folder.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiDqBXLLmaA/U54ix-LX0nI/AAAAAAAAC44/gcAn-MkhMWM/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiDqBXLLmaA/U54ix-LX0nI/AAAAAAAAC44/gcAn-MkhMWM/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the beginning of each month, I print the previous month's pictures. I use <a href="http://www.snapfish.com/">Snapfish</a>. If you get their phone app, you can get 100 free 4x6 prints every month! I upload them from my computer and print them from my phone in order to get the free prints. I also have some 3x5 cards in my room that I will write little messages on and stick in the envelopes. I write things down like when his first tooth came in, what foods he is liking, monthly updates on Weston, etc. If there was a big event, I will write about the event on the card. This way, I can either stick the card straight onto a scrapbook page when I start scrapbooking again, or I can copy down word for word what I said.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_p0jRIha70/U54kdHz7O_I/AAAAAAAAC5A/Ctl9tq5FeHo/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_p0jRIha70/U54kdHz7O_I/AAAAAAAAC5A/Ctl9tq5FeHo/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to say that this has worked out so great for me. I have been using this method since January, and I have loved it! It makes me feel better because I don't feel like I'm forgetting important dates, but I don't have to worry about keeping up my books. And this way, one day I will be able to just sit down and get right into the scrapbooking rather than having to figure out all my pictures. Hopefully this gave you some good ideas!&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-1764394888684379842014-05-17T11:42:00.001-07:002014-05-17T14:25:48.634-07:00Weston Gets A Car Mat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFSI_ZFOYh8/U3OyN5htP8I/AAAAAAAACzQ/hxizuVCNNLA/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFSI_ZFOYh8/U3OyN5htP8I/AAAAAAAACzQ/hxizuVCNNLA/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is finally done and I'm so excited to share it! Since the point I found out I was having a boy, which was almost a year ago, I have wanted to make a car mat. I first saw one on <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/10/oscars-car-playmat.html">Homemade By Jill</a>&nbsp;and I fell in love with it. I played around with a lot of different ways to do it. Steven has an aunt named Sue who is just about one of the most incredible people I have ever met. And she happens to be the most amazing seamstress that I have ever met. She is the one that gave me the idea for this.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started out by mapping it out on graph paper. I have to admit that I never plan out my sewing. I am more of a wing-it type of girl. But using graph paper for this was absolutely necessary! I made all of my houses around 4 inches tall.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After graphing it out, I drew all of my buildings on paper. I made all of my houses around 4 inches tall. &nbsp;At the end of this blog post, I put in a download so that you can use the shapes of my houses if you want to make your own car mat!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you have all of them drawn out, you need a light box. I taped my picture down to the light box then used painters tape to hold down my fabric. It's going to move around, so you want to make sure it's taped really well. I used just plain, white cotton fabric. It is the easiest to color. To draw the buildings onto the fabric, I used a fine-tip Sharpie.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnNsZtfVo_g/U3OyCbXpZXI/AAAAAAAACzE/UQ-lINT3gxc/s1600/IMG_8492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnNsZtfVo_g/U3OyCbXpZXI/AAAAAAAACzE/UQ-lINT3gxc/s1600/IMG_8492.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you have all of your buildings drawn on, you get to color! This was the best part! The great thing about drawing everything is that you can add so many details into it without a lot of work.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHLf6_C4jx4/U3Ox7Go10fI/AAAAAAAACyo/bziaKiaxZEQ/s1600/IMG_8284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHLf6_C4jx4/U3Ox7Go10fI/AAAAAAAACyo/bziaKiaxZEQ/s1600/IMG_8284.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried to make all of the buildings somewhat about our family. When you see the final product at the end, you will see what I mean.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best crayons to use are the regular Crayola. Just make sure you have a sharpener because you will use it often. Color it pretty dark.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg8iDOeAl3k/U3Ox6LCZHsI/AAAAAAAACyk/4J_xRyeun4s/s1600/IMG_8544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg8iDOeAl3k/U3Ox6LCZHsI/AAAAAAAACyk/4J_xRyeun4s/s1600/IMG_8544.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*This is important*.. The next step is for keeping the crayon in the fabric. Get a bucket and put half water and half white vinegar in it. You will also need a rag. Wet the rag and ring it out. Then place it over the color and iron it. Then iron it without the rag on it and leave it to finish drying. The vinegar keeps the color in the fabric. Over time it will slightly fade, but most of the color should stay &nbsp;pretty vivid if you did your coloring dark enough. Sue had a quilt that she used this technique with from 10+ years ago and it still had color on it. I &nbsp;would still try to not wash it too often, and when you do, use cold water. Luckily, with a car mat, it shouldn't need a lot of washing.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next step is to cut around each building. You can leave a space around it or you can cut right on the lines. I lined all of the buildings up on the fabric so I could make sure that they were all exactly how I wanted it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used clear thread to zigzag around the edges. I just used a really small zigzag.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMVoXONVaWE/U3Ox9DAczFI/AAAAAAAACyw/u3oKrp9eruQ/s1600/IMG_8981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMVoXONVaWE/U3Ox9DAczFI/AAAAAAAACyw/u3oKrp9eruQ/s1600/IMG_8981.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hardest part about this thread is that it can get lost really easily and tangles so easy! Aunt Sue taught me this trick... Keep a strip of fabric by you and always end the thread on the strip of fabric before you cut it off the fabric that you are actually sewing. Does that make any sense?? That way you always know where the thread is.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxaS2t2fDt0/U3Ox-MI4NCI/AAAAAAAACy0/udcbzQyaVgk/s1600/IMG_8983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxaS2t2fDt0/U3Ox-MI4NCI/AAAAAAAACy0/udcbzQyaVgk/s1600/IMG_8983.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at my cute sewing partner. Do they get any cuter than that?! And also notice the doors on the right side of the picture. That is all fabric stacked up. It goes the length of the wall. Talk about a dream sewing room!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmNRdUYxFVc/U3Oykp5v73I/AAAAAAAAC1k/gKWKdl3XYCY/s1600/IMG_8980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmNRdUYxFVc/U3Oykp5v73I/AAAAAAAAC1k/gKWKdl3XYCY/s1600/IMG_8980.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After I got all of the buildings onto my "grass" squares, I sewed those down to my black. I cut my black fabric into a perfect square, 42 x 42.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When you have your blocks sewn on the black, the next step is to sew the back and front together.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sue showed me how to lay down the right sides together and start to safety pin them together from the middle to the outside edges. That way you know it is totally smooth and tight.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAaemISX-Cg/U3OyoDRlsbI/AAAAAAAAC2I/2PlghJcfaSE/s1600/IMG_9871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAaemISX-Cg/U3OyoDRlsbI/AAAAAAAAC2I/2PlghJcfaSE/s1600/IMG_9871.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2xvdFfMwdQ/U3OypAXlC5I/AAAAAAAAC2U/DbjYNsa3yJo/s1600/IMG_9874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2xvdFfMwdQ/U3OypAXlC5I/AAAAAAAAC2U/DbjYNsa3yJo/s1600/IMG_9874.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then you can cut off the extra material. Just leave about half an inch to give yourself some room. Then pin all along the edges.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPit_P4oi1I/U3OypUN-TCI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/C3WaPdFM-zM/s1600/IMG_9875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPit_P4oi1I/U3OypUN-TCI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/C3WaPdFM-zM/s1600/IMG_9875.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used just a straight stitch and a quarter inch foot.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF_pAeYdk_0/U3Oyp8A0lsI/AAAAAAAAC2g/1xBTlnAuNTA/s1600/IMG_9876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF_pAeYdk_0/U3Oyp8A0lsI/AAAAAAAAC2g/1xBTlnAuNTA/s1600/IMG_9876.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make sure you leave an opening to turn it right side out!! I left mine about 7 inches long and it seemed to be a good amount.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6u0SsBYzFM/U3OyrW7anJI/AAAAAAAAC2w/ZQiQGWQET4w/s1600/IMG_9881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6u0SsBYzFM/U3OyrW7anJI/AAAAAAAAC2w/ZQiQGWQET4w/s1600/IMG_9881.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then you can cut off all the excess material. Two things to double check before you turn your mat right side out...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1- Cut the corners so that they will lay flat.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2- Take out all the safety pins. It seems like a "duh" moment, but you quickly realize how quickly you forget every pin.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXhAMciiQB4/U3Oyq4kIv0I/AAAAAAAAC2s/Jl2S24-yaZQ/s1600/IMG_9880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXhAMciiQB4/U3Oyq4kIv0I/AAAAAAAAC2s/Jl2S24-yaZQ/s1600/IMG_9880.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last part is sewing on the road strips. I used yellow ric-rac for this and a big zig-zag stitch.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykYlJe2R-_M/U3Oyd97bzFI/AAAAAAAAC04/rTyAFh3eQlE/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykYlJe2R-_M/U3Oyd97bzFI/AAAAAAAAC04/rTyAFh3eQlE/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the fun part! I love looking at all the fun stores and houses. I wanted to keep everything related to our family. My grandpa was a dentist, that's why the dental office is Dr. Sorensen's Dentistry. I thought it would be a fun way for Weston to learn things about our family.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MkG1OPk-bU/U3OyVh7Ek-I/AAAAAAAACz8/8ENfIciOl7M/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MkG1OPk-bU/U3OyVh7Ek-I/AAAAAAAACz8/8ENfIciOl7M/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These three houses are our house, Nana and Papa's house, and Grandpa and Grandma's house. Our house has a swimming pool and big garden, and in the winter we turn our lawn into an amazing ice skating rink! We are lucky to live with Steven's Grandpa Gary, and we just love it. We love that Weston knows this place as home.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecmHs37bO1k/U3OyV19YEMI/AAAAAAAAC0A/2g-sbBSDToQ/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecmHs37bO1k/U3OyV19YEMI/AAAAAAAAC0A/2g-sbBSDToQ/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The more details you add, the more fun the mat! Instead of drawing all of the flowers, I found a fabric with a lot of different flowers on it and cut around different ones to appliqué them on. The fabric also had cats on which I added in for our pets that we have. &nbsp;To show that the ice skating rink is an iceskating rink and not just a white blob, I added some snowflake buttons.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICr6KFNH9ZY/U3OygS0dZxI/AAAAAAAAC1E/0nE0NY_ZN7k/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICr6KFNH9ZY/U3OygS0dZxI/AAAAAAAAC1E/0nE0NY_ZN7k/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have LDS Hospital where Weston was born, and Dr. Shields' Office, for Steven's grandpa. And of course I had to add Temple Square, since that is a main part of Salt Lake City. And the 222 building is where Steven and Grandpa Ken work (and where we had our wedding reception!).&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4kW78wTqHs/U3OySXN_2-I/AAAAAAAACzo/7fPCRSMRWVI/s1600/IMG_1443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4kW78wTqHs/U3OySXN_2-I/AAAAAAAACzo/7fPCRSMRWVI/s1600/IMG_1443.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmPgyklEYtM/U3OycBZD3ZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/w7whCB8KOkw/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmPgyklEYtM/U3OycBZD3ZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/w7whCB8KOkw/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You will notice how the edges of the grass are ragged. Sue gave me that idea because once it really starts to fray up, it will look like grass!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkz_d-qo84M/U3OyUkcKjkI/AAAAAAAAC0M/iY9d_TXsBdY/s1600/IMG_1444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkz_d-qo84M/U3OyUkcKjkI/AAAAAAAAC0M/iY9d_TXsBdY/s1600/IMG_1444.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sN7_WO2lbnc/U3OyOFsfZHI/AAAAAAAACzU/lEblDjxkcPw/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sN7_WO2lbnc/U3OyOFsfZHI/AAAAAAAACzU/lEblDjxkcPw/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYX8b9yxRIg/U3Oyc_vAnUI/AAAAAAAAC0w/eIq--L7KibU/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYX8b9yxRIg/U3Oyc_vAnUI/AAAAAAAAC0w/eIq--L7KibU/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added Nana's salon and I wrote down movies that were coming out around the time that he was born.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q16gjh9sUM4/U3OyROyMVEI/AAAAAAAACzk/9g-x6xHJkkA/s1600/IMG_1441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q16gjh9sUM4/U3OyROyMVEI/AAAAAAAACzk/9g-x6xHJkkA/s1600/IMG_1441.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nnbus4DfMk/U3OySTxMJGI/AAAAAAAACzw/lv2wPBvwbw8/s1600/IMG_1442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nnbus4DfMk/U3OySTxMJGI/AAAAAAAACzw/lv2wPBvwbw8/s1600/IMG_1442.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's Papa's school and the library (one of my favorite places). And I couldn't leave out our beautiful mountains.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DC_OCsFGSs/U3OyYGq4qII/AAAAAAAAC0Q/nHnFnAaCjFI/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DC_OCsFGSs/U3OyYGq4qII/AAAAAAAAC0Q/nHnFnAaCjFI/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the dealership, I left places for the shiny, new cars to park.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTwviHU5ywI/U3Oya3We-7I/AAAAAAAAC0k/qtnY2QGjfRA/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTwviHU5ywI/U3Oya3We-7I/AAAAAAAAC0k/qtnY2QGjfRA/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvEeezaxwQE/U3OyZPeUYCI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/x9-bGdGgN4k/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvEeezaxwQE/U3OyZPeUYCI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/x9-bGdGgN4k/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3gXMNXAOGg/U3OyiFDioMI/AAAAAAAAC1U/SIWXtGn32dw/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3gXMNXAOGg/U3OyiFDioMI/AAAAAAAAC1U/SIWXtGn32dw/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOyN8awUF0Q/U3OyhsRRooI/AAAAAAAAC1I/1wFc0Gf-rJQ/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOyN8awUF0Q/U3OyhsRRooI/AAAAAAAAC1I/1wFc0Gf-rJQ/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took a while to do this, but it was a really fun project and it was totally worth it. I love that it has some family history in it so we can teach Weston what life was like when he was born. I'm going to save it either for his first birthday or Christmas, I can't decide yet. But either way, I'm sure he will love it as he gets older!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVjwSQ1pTyg/U3OyMwIDXCI/AAAAAAAACzM/Y5HiBO4QOYw/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVjwSQ1pTyg/U3OyMwIDXCI/AAAAAAAACzM/Y5HiBO4QOYw/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" height="624" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the car mat download. You can see all of the details I added, but the main shapes are outlined in dark black. You can use the basic shapes to make a lot of different kinds of buildings. The greatest part about this project is that you can be so creative!</div><div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/224620762/Car-Mat-Houses" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Car Mat Houses on Scribd">Car Mat Houses</a></div><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_33658" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/224620762/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And you know I have to add a few pictures in of my little monster. He's too cute not to show off! He's getting so big now. Here he is with Papa. He is such a good mix of my dad and Steven.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiTiosGou3s/U3Oyr0QNWZI/AAAAAAAAC20/RyItMtROqAA/s1600/IMG_9955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiTiosGou3s/U3Oyr0QNWZI/AAAAAAAAC20/RyItMtROqAA/s1600/IMG_9955.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTZebDQa958/U3Oyl84uWLI/AAAAAAAAC2A/TNJqQ1Wi-5E/s1600/IMG_9632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTZebDQa958/U3Oyl84uWLI/AAAAAAAAC2A/TNJqQ1Wi-5E/s1600/IMG_9632.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08ASBDaIHSs/U3OymW2qGJI/AAAAAAAAC10/-9Syc_5mA00/s1600/IMG_9788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08ASBDaIHSs/U3OymW2qGJI/AAAAAAAAC10/-9Syc_5mA00/s1600/IMG_9788.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENnczsF2xno/U3OyiRC0ZsI/AAAAAAAAC1M/H4YxrFx9o0Y/s1600/IMG_9742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENnczsF2xno/U3OyiRC0ZsI/AAAAAAAAC1M/H4YxrFx9o0Y/s1600/IMG_9742.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This was Easter. We got him up bright and early and went to the sunrise ceremony at Snowbird. If you live in the Salt Lake area, DO IT! It was totally worth the early wake up. This little guy is crawling now and he is all over the place! It is so much fun being able to stay home with him. How could I leave that face to do something boring like go to work?!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNfB-cQprMo/U3PXQyhsXqI/AAAAAAAAC3g/CaLsXhnHdXM/s1600/IMG_9718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNfB-cQprMo/U3PXQyhsXqI/AAAAAAAAC3g/CaLsXhnHdXM/s1600/IMG_9718.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I just had to share this gem from Easter because it is so dang cute. Bunny cousins... ha ha ha. Aren't they the cutest?</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvX_ArWGBcg/U3OykIhfluI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Vebi4TRq100/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvX_ArWGBcg/U3OykIhfluI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Vebi4TRq100/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have fun sewing!</div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-6887231157090049792014-05-01T12:35:00.002-07:002014-05-01T12:35:54.578-07:00A Baby Sister's Bridal Shower :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX4mIVC1i4Q/U2KaWern4ZI/AAAAAAAACwY/3dPuUqFVRjw/s1600/IMG_1389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX4mIVC1i4Q/U2KaWern4ZI/AAAAAAAACwY/3dPuUqFVRjw/s1600/IMG_1389.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Torri.. one of my three baby sisters. &nbsp;Only she is not such a baby anymore! This fancy lady is engaged to her sweetheart, and they have less than a month to go! We are so excited that we are finally getting a brother!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last Saturday, my mom's cousin and I threw her a shower at my house. It was supposed to be a tea party in our great backyard, but as our luck goes, it was raining and hailing all day long. Well, inside we go!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIK8CXzzrJA/U2KaTEb7mSI/AAAAAAAACwM/ttSjL104K4E/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIK8CXzzrJA/U2KaTEb7mSI/AAAAAAAACwM/ttSjL104K4E/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmTboRk5syo/U2KaTAkjmJI/AAAAAAAACwE/3MbVswFUJIo/s1600/IMG_1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmTboRk5syo/U2KaTAkjmJI/AAAAAAAACwE/3MbVswFUJIo/s1600/IMG_1382.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkY1tztD45M/U2KaStxmdTI/AAAAAAAACwA/3RNO4PW4AxE/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkY1tztD45M/U2KaStxmdTI/AAAAAAAACwA/3RNO4PW4AxE/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One thing that I saw on Pinterest that I was so excited about was the Time Capsule for the bride and groom. I put out some cards for people to write notes on. The week of the wedding, I'm going to add lots of things to the box about what's going on in their lives and the world. More to come on that!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aJTKiZqQno/U2KanhdTgpI/AAAAAAAACyI/hPEKAjvhKts/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aJTKiZqQno/U2KanhdTgpI/AAAAAAAACyI/hPEKAjvhKts/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVBdid6tzYg/U2KaNGYvmeI/AAAAAAAACvo/6TIntJmJ89w/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVBdid6tzYg/U2KaNGYvmeI/AAAAAAAACvo/6TIntJmJ89w/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H512pw3Gm7M/U2KaZ09p-HI/AAAAAAAACww/4_TPkOVryOg/s1600/IMG_1394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H512pw3Gm7M/U2KaZ09p-HI/AAAAAAAACww/4_TPkOVryOg/s1600/IMG_1394.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't these Red Velvet cookies look like heaven? They are!! I found them on Pinterest from <a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/11/red-velvet-crinkle-cookies/#comment-33278">Cooking Classy</a>. Try them! You won't regret it. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="item b-b" style="background-color: #f0faf9; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="b-b h-1 strong" id="zlrecipe-title" itemprop="name" style="border: none; font-family: Museo300Regular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies</div></div><div class="zlmeta zlclear" style="background-color: #f0faf9; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.85em; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="fl-l width-50" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 280px;"><div id="zlrecipe-prep-time" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prep Time:&nbsp;<span content="PT25M" itemprop="prepTime" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">25 minutes</span></div><div id="zlrecipe-cook-time" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cook Time:&nbsp;<span content="PT15M" itemprop="cookTime" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">15 minutes</span></div><div id="zlrecipe-total-time" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Total Time:&nbsp;<span content="PT2H40M" itemprop="totalTime" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 hours, 40 minutes</span></div></div><div class="fl-l width-50" style="border: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 280px;"><div id="zlrecipe-yield" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Yield:&nbsp;<span itemprop="recipeYield" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">About 30 cookies</span></div></div><div class="zlclear" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div></div><div class="img-desc-wrap" style="background-color: #f0faf9; background-image: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients" style="background-color: #f0faf9; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Museo300Regular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients</div><ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list" style="background-color: #f0faf9; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 cups all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder*</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/3 cups granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 large eggs</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Tbsp milk or buttermilk</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 tsp red food coloring</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-12" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup white chocolate chips</li><li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-13" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup powdered sugar</li></ul><div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="background-color: #f0faf9; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Museo300Regular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Directions</div><ul class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="background-color: #f0faf9; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt for 30 seconds, set aside. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs 1 at a time, blending until combined after each addition. Mix in milk, vanilla bean paste, lemon juice and red food coloring. With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in white chocolate chips. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours or until firm enough to shape into balls.</li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour powdered sugar into a bowl. Remove dough from refrigerator, scoop dough out and with buttered hands, shape into medium balls (about 2 1/2 Tbsp each). Roll cookie dough balls into powdered sugar and evenly coat. Transfer to Silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheets and flatten slightly, then bake in preheated oven 13 - 14 minutes. Allow to rest on cookie sheet several minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.</li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">*If you want them a little more chocolatey you can replace 2 - 3 Tbsp of the flour with 2 - 3 additional Tbsp of cocoa powder.</li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Recipe Source: Cooking Classy</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clVOYromYy4/U2KabT83c4I/AAAAAAAACw8/9r0Qj4lXLuI/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clVOYromYy4/U2KabT83c4I/AAAAAAAACw8/9r0Qj4lXLuI/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are so lucky to have so many supportive family and friends. We have the best group around! She got a lot of really great presents!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6sTDoWYRJM/U2Kaa73J2TI/AAAAAAAACw4/Z5AjDAduIIE/s1600/IMG_1406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6sTDoWYRJM/U2Kaa73J2TI/AAAAAAAACw4/Z5AjDAduIIE/s1600/IMG_1406.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxwl33MSWCQ/U2KamqqRrAI/AAAAAAAACyA/WgdpM72sIak/s1600/IMG_1417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxwl33MSWCQ/U2KamqqRrAI/AAAAAAAACyA/WgdpM72sIak/s1600/IMG_1417.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This one was my favorite though...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bp_zDFvKfo/U2KadDYn6vI/AAAAAAAACxI/vHV1t85YnIw/s1600/IMG_1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bp_zDFvKfo/U2KadDYn6vI/AAAAAAAACxI/vHV1t85YnIw/s1600/IMG_1409.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her mom-in-law Teri gave it to her. She's on the left and her grandma-in-law, Arlene, is on the right. They are the cutest! So props to Teri for this great present.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tdPDd5qS6g/U2Kanbx-4mI/AAAAAAAACyM/7DKtdrdqM0M/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tdPDd5qS6g/U2Kanbx-4mI/AAAAAAAACyM/7DKtdrdqM0M/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" height="257" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AwUV0ETpUM/U2KakfuWVeI/AAAAAAAACx0/LXO11hztgow/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AwUV0ETpUM/U2KakfuWVeI/AAAAAAAACx0/LXO11hztgow/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6T9sajLr3A/U2KafHFE2KI/AAAAAAAACxQ/JCnRn7gmxO0/s1600/IMG_1410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6T9sajLr3A/U2KafHFE2KI/AAAAAAAACxQ/JCnRn7gmxO0/s1600/IMG_1410.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIb3u7Gk-80/U2Kafdl0xpI/AAAAAAAACxU/00RGdakqzWo/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIb3u7Gk-80/U2Kafdl0xpI/AAAAAAAACxU/00RGdakqzWo/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGneoBN_jH4/U2KagRD5OyI/AAAAAAAACxg/M54dTKQ5jEA/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGneoBN_jH4/U2KagRD5OyI/AAAAAAAACxg/M54dTKQ5jEA/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFRPUnKRL5E/U2KajqQvGHI/AAAAAAAACxo/e4Fuj8cxq94/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFRPUnKRL5E/U2KajqQvGHI/AAAAAAAACxo/e4Fuj8cxq94/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She had so many great ideas in this box! Seriously, I feel like I need one of these for everyday life; not just a wedding day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the list of things that she added in...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">baby powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">deoderant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">perfume</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">shoe inserts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cough drops</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lotion&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">chapstick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kleenex</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bobby pins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">wipes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alka Seltzer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">straws</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vasoline</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">contact solution</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">tape</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">battery operated fan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lint roller</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Downy clothes refresher</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">gum and mints</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">scissors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hair elastics</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hair spray</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">mini comb</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">nail file and clippers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you can think of anything else we should add to this list, comment below! Thanks for the awesome idea Teri!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBYfqlv00-w/U2KaWfchqfI/AAAAAAAACwc/8TPYwt8srnc/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBYfqlv00-w/U2KaWfchqfI/AAAAAAAACwc/8TPYwt8srnc/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last but not least, our favors. This was all my mom's cousin's idea. Torri loves tea, she she packed up tea bags all fancy and everyone got to take a couple. I loved this idea!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9zgbPfKW_Y/U2KaXBwgxDI/AAAAAAAACwo/zq3PFWxtPU4/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9zgbPfKW_Y/U2KaXBwgxDI/AAAAAAAACwo/zq3PFWxtPU4/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">21 more days until she's officially a bride!!</div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-29974879667297351522014-03-18T14:21:00.001-07:002014-03-18T14:21:04.618-07:00The Perfect Bow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to give credit to my partner in crime from <a href="http://creatingvioletskies.blogspot.com/">Creating Violet Skies</a>, Miss Amy. She was the one that showed this to me, and seriously it changed my crafting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the way to make the perfect bow!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First start out with five strips of ribbon that are about the same size. You are going to be folding three of them in half, so make them double the size that you want your bow to be. You will also need an extra little piece to go around the middle of the bow.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J35vUIQ8AZs/UydV0_H_OcI/AAAAAAAACo4/4w43z6pujxg/s1600/IMG_8178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J35vUIQ8AZs/UydV0_H_OcI/AAAAAAAACo4/4w43z6pujxg/s1600/IMG_8178.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With three of them, make a circle and glue the ends together. The pinch the direct center and glue it down.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XIA16KklStk/UydV0FqVySI/AAAAAAAACow/JBsjCTphMDY/s1600/IMG_8179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XIA16KklStk/UydV0FqVySI/AAAAAAAACow/JBsjCTphMDY/s1600/IMG_8179.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So you will have three loops and two longer pieces and your small little piece. With my three loops, I did two of them with the glossy side out, and one loop with the matte side out just to add more texture with the bow.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b89iHk8TK-U/UydV0xIzXWI/AAAAAAAACo0/vmwgnV6BVOM/s1600/IMG_8180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b89iHk8TK-U/UydV0xIzXWI/AAAAAAAACo0/vmwgnV6BVOM/s1600/IMG_8180.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take two loops and make a slight cross and glue them together in the middle. I glued together the two glossy ones and had the matte one be in the middle.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk0yUqo9BeI/UydV18UmegI/AAAAAAAACpI/tZng9p2hl10/s1600/IMG_8181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk0yUqo9BeI/UydV18UmegI/AAAAAAAACpI/tZng9p2hl10/s1600/IMG_8181.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then take the third one (my matte one), and glue down the centers so that it goes exactly across.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVOifqXP5SI/UydV2AAGm2I/AAAAAAAACpM/dNeudJfpLvY/s1600/IMG_8182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVOifqXP5SI/UydV2AAGm2I/AAAAAAAACpM/dNeudJfpLvY/s1600/IMG_8182.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take the small piece and fold it around to make the center of the bow.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVwcO8-Aiqo/UydV2u0UqvI/AAAAAAAACpU/msxKIFC4BdM/s1600/IMG_8183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVwcO8-Aiqo/UydV2u0UqvI/AAAAAAAACpU/msxKIFC4BdM/s1600/IMG_8183.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the back of the bow, glue the two remaining pieces, in a slight cross so that they don't hang right over each other.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZEfdfFsOWI/UydWReRUkmI/AAAAAAAACqI/IVKSb0aKGHE/s1600/IMG_8184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZEfdfFsOWI/UydWReRUkmI/AAAAAAAACqI/IVKSb0aKGHE/s1600/IMG_8184.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1w9gDGcGKk/UydWR3WFbrI/AAAAAAAACqU/biVZDKiMFo8/s1600/IMG_8185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1w9gDGcGKk/UydWR3WFbrI/AAAAAAAACqU/biVZDKiMFo8/s1600/IMG_8185.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can cut the bottom of the hanging ribbon so that they have an angled end.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used these bows on my March garland. Using this method, bows always turn out just perfect!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9G-kcLnIG0/UydV6LE5OyI/AAAAAAAACqA/6JxYvvNq3WU/s1600/IMG_9093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9G-kcLnIG0/UydV6LE5OyI/AAAAAAAACqA/6JxYvvNq3WU/s1600/IMG_9093.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The thicker the ribbon, the better the bow turns out. I love the wired ribbon because you can really shape it to be however you want. With this wired red ribbon, I pinched the center of the bow and glued it before I put the small center piece on it so that I could get the bow to bend a little more.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mw84Hx0ObnE/UydWRvTgTDI/AAAAAAAACqM/UsO4XB9JAGg/s1600/IMG_8695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mw84Hx0ObnE/UydWRvTgTDI/AAAAAAAACqM/UsO4XB9JAGg/s1600/IMG_8695.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend Amy from <a href="http://creatingvioletskies.blogspot.com/">Creating Violet Skies</a> and I, used this method for our Valentines wreath that we made. Doesn't it turn out just perfectly?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LvQPqRdI3UY/Uyi4biU74RI/AAAAAAAACvI/Dj3WQGiVbM4/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LvQPqRdI3UY/Uyi4biU74RI/AAAAAAAACvI/Dj3WQGiVbM4/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106822334967658524.post-23271134080667798482014-03-18T11:18:00.002-07:002014-03-18T11:29:24.420-07:00What I've Learned in 5 Months<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was Weston's 5 month birthday. Five months?! How did that even happen?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have to warn you now that this is major baby overload... If you aren't a fan of babies... I would stop reading here... :)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3j1TcBS5Ng0/Uyehi9pbhAI/AAAAAAAACrk/hPKUQi1rtkw/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3j1TcBS5Ng0/Uyehi9pbhAI/AAAAAAAACrk/hPKUQi1rtkw/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knPhII32dz0/UyeheMk0ieI/AAAAAAAACq0/8skYYphvCPU/s1600/IMG_0518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knPhII32dz0/UyeheMk0ieI/AAAAAAAACq0/8skYYphvCPU/s1600/IMG_0518.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Seriously it felt like a blink of an eye. One minute I was big huge pregnant and sleeping an average of an hour a night... and BAM! The nurse is handing me a baby boy. So much has happened in five months. I have learned more than I ever thought possible to learn in just a few short months.<br /><br />First of all, I learned the importance of SLEEP. Sleeping pretty much stopped the second that I got pregnant. After many, many months of no sleep, I can tell you that sleeping well can change your life! In fact, I got more sleep with a newborn than I did when I was pregnant. At least I was prepared for the little guy to come, right? I learned that it's nearly impossible to "sleep when your baby sleeps" as everyone tells you to do. When the baby sleeps is when I get laundry done, dinner prepared, vacuuming finished. On the weekends Steven is there to help, but during the week it's me. Sleeping when the baby sleeps sounds great, but let me tell you... It really just wasn't possible. I also learned all the things that you can still do on no sleep. Feeding a baby 10 times a night? Sounds impossible until you have a newborn. I don't know how, but suddenly your body just snaps into motion.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyfH1hNuBts/UyehnuRtx7I/AAAAAAAACsk/CTbcc8jce7s/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyfH1hNuBts/UyehnuRtx7I/AAAAAAAACsk/CTbcc8jce7s/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZzQi3nAR8k/Uyehqm7QurI/AAAAAAAACtc/QQbTv9flXFg/s1600/IMG_7048+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZzQi3nAR8k/Uyehqm7QurI/AAAAAAAACtc/QQbTv9flXFg/s1600/IMG_7048+-+Version+2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That leads to my next lesson... It's incredible all the times where nature takes over and somehow your body just knows what to do. There were so many times, especially when Weston was a newborn, that Steven would say, "How did you know to do that?" And honestly I didn't. But if you listen to your body and listen to the baby, freaky things happen. You were made this way for a reason.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhuKnGF9xT0/UyehfyYRp2I/AAAAAAAACrM/3y7WQZzLTeM/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhuKnGF9xT0/UyehfyYRp2I/AAAAAAAACrM/3y7WQZzLTeM/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" height="528" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite lessons I have learned is that life in the slow lane can be so enjoyable. I have always been a busy body. Even ask my mom. She will tell you stories of me being teeny tiny and not just sitting and watching a movie. I always had to be doing two things at once. I have often had more than one job and often school as well. I think that I felt like if I wasn't making the most of every minute of every day, I was going to miss out on something. I didn't want to waste one second. Work hard, play hard, right?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been lucky enough to be at home with my baby. Several people have said that I was going to get so bored, and I could see why they would think that. But let me tell you, there is not one bit of boredom in my house. It's so nice to be able to sleep in until 8 and be able to casually eat breakfast with my little side kick. It was always rush, rush, rush before and now I get to lay on the blanket with him and just hang out. I am still not the type to just sit and watch tv, but with a baby that's not really an option anyway. Just because I am not rushing around doesn't mean I am missing out. I have loved my long, easy days. In fact, sometimes I wish they were even slower. There's nothing more exciting or worth my time than watching a baby grow and smile.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZc62PCLrYI/Uyehi3ZhZ_I/AAAAAAAACrw/3vWVX-7Ktts/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZc62PCLrYI/Uyehi3ZhZ_I/AAAAAAAACrw/3vWVX-7Ktts/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-euGES17RxBA/UyehoaMNwoI/AAAAAAAACs4/cKgepGoLZtw/s1600/IMG_6544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-euGES17RxBA/UyehoaMNwoI/AAAAAAAACs4/cKgepGoLZtw/s1600/IMG_6544.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have learned that it's crazy to see your traits in someone else. When Weston was born, he was a spitting image of Steven. Over time he has grown and changed, and now he looks like me. And not only does he physically resemble myself, but he also is a lot like me emotionally. He gets nervous in crowds, just like me. He is so much a homebody, just like me. And boy is he shy, just like me. He has "his people". With his people he is the smiliest, happiest boy. And when he is with people that he doesn't see a lot, he gets visible nervous and upset. I have also learned that people take this personally, as if the baby is choosing not to like you. He's 5 months people.. he can't decide whether he likes you. All he knows is that you aren't a face that he sees often. He loves his grandparents and aunts and a handful of others, otherwise.. STRANGER DANGER ALERT. Hopefully he grows out of it faster than I did! :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcG3MXPAHYo/Uyehpw16UtI/AAAAAAAACtA/bA05hJk6sqo/s1600/IMG_7326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcG3MXPAHYo/Uyehpw16UtI/AAAAAAAACtA/bA05hJk6sqo/s1600/IMG_7326.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YamfzdcGm8Y/UyehrIiqzEI/AAAAAAAACtg/ZeOjRZPrUmk/s1600/IMG_7863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YamfzdcGm8Y/UyehrIiqzEI/AAAAAAAACtg/ZeOjRZPrUmk/s1600/IMG_7863.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have learned that buying baby clothes is WAY more fun than buying me clothes! How can you deny a bear sweater? Seriously people!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRL3vHsh6-A/UyehbXBOdvI/AAAAAAAACqo/EC_omaUHf-s/s1600/2014-35754-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRL3vHsh6-A/UyehbXBOdvI/AAAAAAAACqo/EC_omaUHf-s/s1600/2014-35754-26.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPjV415XU88/Uyeheet_z7I/AAAAAAAACq8/s9T8GBR8t2M/s1600/2014-35754-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPjV415XU88/Uyeheet_z7I/AAAAAAAACq8/s9T8GBR8t2M/s1600/2014-35754-15.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7CiCTe60bg/Uyehc80JLCI/AAAAAAAACqw/MbElc8JtqOI/s1600/2014-35754-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7CiCTe60bg/Uyehc80JLCI/AAAAAAAACqw/MbElc8JtqOI/s1600/2014-35754-47.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have learned how amazing it is to see someone you love hold your baby. It's like two of your favorite worlds colliding into one. It's so exciting to see your parents become grandparents and see your sisters become aunts. There is nothing more attractive in the world than your husband holding your baby. Heart melting every single time.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck01d7mwkmo/Uyehm65w0-I/AAAAAAAACsU/ciemiTJGYrM/s1600/IMG_1262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck01d7mwkmo/Uyehm65w0-I/AAAAAAAACsU/ciemiTJGYrM/s1600/IMG_1262.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have learned the meaning of fear. Weston has tubes put in his ears in January. Ear tubes are really no big deal. It's seriously a 5 minute deal. But when you are in Primary Children's and your baby has to go under anesthesia, suddenly it feels like a big deal. In the waiting room with us was a family who had a one year old going into surgery at the same time. The surgeon came in and handed them a phone and said that he would be calling them once an hour to tell them how it was going. Primary Children's helps you realize how scary it can be to love someone so much and it puts everything into perspective.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09NKShN0Mqs/Uyehq_JHXcI/AAAAAAAACtI/pOT4bpw85I4/s1600/IMG_7903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09NKShN0Mqs/Uyehq_JHXcI/AAAAAAAACtI/pOT4bpw85I4/s1600/IMG_7903.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUUO9UmVunc/UyehqbLRuqI/AAAAAAAACtE/9jV8anLFEWs/s1600/IMG_7742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUUO9UmVunc/UyehqbLRuqI/AAAAAAAACtE/9jV8anLFEWs/s1600/IMG_7742.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have learned that you have to bring 10,000 things wherever you go, just in case. Car seat, stroller, diapers, wipes, change of clothes for baby, change of clothes for mom, bottles, formula, binkies, blankies, burp cloths, another change of clothes... it never ends! But I also learned that EVERYTHING is more fun with a baby. We went to see the ice castles for my birthday. And yes, we had to load so many things and we couldn't stay as long, but it was so exciting being there with him. He was only 3 1/2 months old, but his eyes were wide open staring up at all the ice and watching him deal with being in the giant coat outfit was hysterical. And don't even get me started on how magical Christmas was!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj-ULVIndqM/UyehrtpV_HI/AAAAAAAACtY/3grnlR1IOI0/s1600/IMG_7935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj-ULVIndqM/UyehrtpV_HI/AAAAAAAACtY/3grnlR1IOI0/s1600/IMG_7935.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also learned a lot about friends. Everyone always says that you learn who your real friends are in life changing circumstances; marriage, babies, sicknesses, moving, etc. Boy, is this true. We had some friends who really showed us who they really are. They were there at the hospital, they brought dinner to us the next couple weeks, they helped me clean and give the baby baths. And more than that, they knew when we were too exhausted to hang out and they called the night over before we even had to ask them. One night, I told my friend that I was just too tired and all I wanted to do was lay in bed. So you know what we did? We laid in bed and watched Netflix with the baby while the boys were out fishing. I never had to entertain them and they knew what we needed before we did. We have some great friends.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWJwftWyDtM/UyehsI6qsEI/AAAAAAAACtk/fFBlawv8miQ/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWJwftWyDtM/UyehsI6qsEI/AAAAAAAACtk/fFBlawv8miQ/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0-XlsL0aEc/Uyehsp3gHYI/AAAAAAAACt8/d9g1Jg9gzdE/s1600/IMG_8287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0-XlsL0aEc/Uyehsp3gHYI/AAAAAAAACt8/d9g1Jg9gzdE/s1600/IMG_8287.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have learned that all babies are so different, and everyone has an opinion on how you should be raising your baby. It's great that everyone is willing to give advice because you can try all different things to see what works for you. I did learn that when I stopped listening to everyone's advice and just focused on what works for us, life got SO much easier. I tried so hard to do the schedule thing, but it just doesn't work for us. Life got so much easier when I just let him sleep when he is tired and I feed him when he is hungry. Suddenly when I stopped reading all those books and trying all the "secrets" he started sleeping through the nights. It's great that they have books out there, but they just don't fit who we are.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TS0MkYzIR7s/UyehmqSeXTI/AAAAAAAACso/AwRLSGcEk44/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TS0MkYzIR7s/UyehmqSeXTI/AAAAAAAACso/AwRLSGcEk44/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YS2mMUK3Fwg/Uyehl58IC3I/AAAAAAAACsE/pY2TNn6qpCw/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YS2mMUK3Fwg/Uyehl58IC3I/AAAAAAAACsE/pY2TNn6qpCw/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjgVfOnEpYI/UyehmMTdL2I/AAAAAAAACsI/p75AIM0JIXA/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjgVfOnEpYI/UyehmMTdL2I/AAAAAAAACsI/p75AIM0JIXA/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have learned that babies really do take all of your money. And there's nothing that is more worth it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRHVER1QQTA/UyehnHj07NI/AAAAAAAACsc/5ylWJNW_hls/s1600/IMG_1345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRHVER1QQTA/UyehnHj07NI/AAAAAAAACsc/5ylWJNW_hls/s1600/IMG_1345.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I learned that it is not fun to try new foods, but it is absolutely hysterical watching someone else try new foods!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjBWxwzROHY/UyehuR2NLSI/AAAAAAAACuE/G2JTcUbZY7Q/s1600/IMG_8555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjBWxwzROHY/UyehuR2NLSI/AAAAAAAACuE/G2JTcUbZY7Q/s1600/IMG_8555.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfzX5tpbf6A/Uyehw1ZicXI/AAAAAAAACu4/ZTybTORc7M8/s1600/IMG_9052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfzX5tpbf6A/Uyehw1ZicXI/AAAAAAAACu4/ZTybTORc7M8/s1600/IMG_9052.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_O-xE6Ksa-4/UyehvPa86WI/AAAAAAAACuY/EFBKYQI2pM0/s1600/IMG_8646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_O-xE6Ksa-4/UyehvPa86WI/AAAAAAAACuY/EFBKYQI2pM0/s1600/IMG_8646.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0myRxLD2zU/UyehwuExkoI/AAAAAAAACuk/tkxE3mW1VTM/s1600/IMG_9079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0myRxLD2zU/UyehwuExkoI/AAAAAAAACuk/tkxE3mW1VTM/s1600/IMG_9079.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I learned that baby smiles and giggles can heal almost any type of hurt going on.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEtDHhTQb5E/Uyehs9IY5KI/AAAAAAAACt0/Z18f4egUstQ/s1600/IMG_8150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEtDHhTQb5E/Uyehs9IY5KI/AAAAAAAACt0/Z18f4egUstQ/s1600/IMG_8150.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;One Month &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Two Months</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RlNSOqPss5U/UyehhHhVXtI/AAAAAAAACrY/VYLRtZvCTYg/s1600/IMG_0765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RlNSOqPss5U/UyehhHhVXtI/AAAAAAAACrY/VYLRtZvCTYg/s1600/IMG_0765.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-636_xSuAijA/UyehfEmu6sI/AAAAAAAACrI/7WLNlQgIxZ8/s1600/IMG_0726-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-636_xSuAijA/UyehfEmu6sI/AAAAAAAACrI/7WLNlQgIxZ8/s1600/IMG_0726-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Three Months</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiCQJjGf9I0/UyehiFjbbAI/AAAAAAAACrg/xIPBcvME-a0/s1600/IMG_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiCQJjGf9I0/UyehiFjbbAI/AAAAAAAACrg/xIPBcvME-a0/s1600/IMG_0833.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Four Months &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Five Months<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUSrZAq59sk/UyehlsgQ5xI/AAAAAAAACsA/wLghu0PWV6M/s1600/IMG_1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUSrZAq59sk/UyehlsgQ5xI/AAAAAAAACsA/wLghu0PWV6M/s1600/IMG_1130.jpg" height="400" width="243" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgQRqrhB278/Uyehk2lUFnI/AAAAAAAACr4/g0YAZQgn7cA/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgQRqrhB278/Uyehk2lUFnI/AAAAAAAACr4/g0YAZQgn7cA/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And last but not least, I learned that just when you think that there's no way you have room in your heart to love anymore than you already do, something happens and boom! Somehow your heart suddenly grows 10 fold.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/?action=view&amp;current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/cortneyshields/Signature.png" /></a></div>Miss Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195927096723771116noreply@blogger.com3